Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - WBEN has learned about 52 migrant children and their parents are now residing in an Amherst hotel as the migrant crisis continues to play out in Erie County.
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The move to Amherst comes after some of the local migrant population in Erie County was displaced by the decision by Buffalo State University to end housing for migrants and the issues facing the Best Western Hotel on Dingens Street in Cheektowaga.
"No municipality, including Amherst, went looking for this issue to deal with," Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa told WBEN. "I feel strongly that while the Governor's proposed path to work visas or Congressman's Langwothy's suggestion of expediting asylum decisions both offer opportunity; the Federal Government to date has shirked responsibility in the matter. I also feel that, to date, WNY has not dealt with the situation well."
Numerous vehicles were spotted in the Red Roof Inn Plus on Flint Road this week in anticipation of the migrant transition and the hotel shows no rooms available for the foreseeable future.
Kulpa tells WBEN the situation has presented itself to his town and he assures the public it will be handled responsibly.
"In this case, Amherst and Sweet Home schools are mature and capable institutions and are ready to meet the new challenge at hand. We will keep people secure, we will ensure that displaced children have their God given right to youthful innocense and safety and we will work to remember that while the situation is an imposition, there are people involved, who deserve to be treated as such. This effort requires plans, effort and compassion."
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