Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey said one Temporary migrant shelter in Roxbury, Boston neighborhood it is expected to return to public use at the end of the month.
The Malnea A. Cass Recreation Complex, a state-owned facility with sports courts and a pool for community members, has been closed for several months as a crowded place for homeless and migrant families.
According to Healey’s office, on May 31 the shelter will close and the complex will be prepared to reopen to the public in mid-June.
“Cass Center operations are being transferred back to DCR in time for the June 22 opening of the pool for the summer season and the beginning of work on these improvements,” Healey’s office said.
Before reopening to the public, the facility will update its flooring, equipment, new tree plantings and roof repairs with the addition of new solar panels.
“The upgrades will allow Cass to provide better services as a community center as well as recreation and sports programming,” Healey’s office added.
According to Healey’s office, all families were moved from the Cass Center to more stable housing options at safety-net locations in Lexington and Chelsea. A safety net site in Norfolk has not yet opened.
“We are working closely with school districts and families to ensure continuity of education. In accordance with federal law, families will have the choice between remaining in their current district or enrolling in the new district,” Healey’s office said.
One resident said the state needs to be more transparent in selecting shelters.
“You could have warned people here that this is what you were going to do before you did it,” said Craig Robinson of Roxbury.
Robinson was born and raised in Roxbury and thinks the community needs to be more welcoming.
“Everyone should be welcome in this America, let’s make room for people and embrace it, says community center,” Robinson said
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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