This weekend, migrant workers from New York City came by bus to the Sure Stay Best Western on Wolf Road. Their arrival marks the conclusion of talks between Albany and New York City. However, Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey revealed the details in a letter to local media, labeling it a "unilateral action of Mayor Adams."
Crummey claims that late on Friday night, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy gave him instructions to transfer the migrants to a motel in Colonie. According to Crummey, the bus was supposed to go to Albany at first because of its status as a sanctuary city, but it was later proposed that it go to the Sure Stay Best Western.
Supervisor Crummey reports that Colonie Police reminded all hotels and motels of the town's local ordinance regarding the obligations of checking guests into their facilities in advance of their arrival. Crummey claims that despite having an Albany mailing address, the manager of the Sure Stay Best Western advised Mayor Adams and Mayor Sheehan that the hotel is actually located in Colonie. According to Crummey, their representatives subsequently informed the manager that they would take into consideration the Albany motel for the same reason.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan's Statement
Adding to the discussion, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan stated that she has recently been in touch with New York City officials to find prospective hotels that could offer shelter and groups that could help asylum seekers. Sheehan disputes the idea that Albany had any influence in guiding the migrants to the Wolf Road area in particular.
Sheehan continued by stating that she thinks the asylum seekers "are guests in our communities and their well-being must be a priority for all of us." Additionally, the city distributed this fact sheet about asylum seekers.
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