NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Around 25 migrants were found living in cramped conditions inside a single-family flophouse in Rockland County on Thursday.
This marks the second flophouse found in Clarkstown as ongoing investigations delve into the movement of migrants from New York City to rural areas, particularly single-family homes, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said Thursday.
The home on West Clarkstown Road was subdivided, with people also living inside the attic.
"The house featured approximately 25 people living inside a single-family home, including multiple beds in the attic space and in the basement," Hoehmann said.
These divided homes, often referred to as "flophouses," are not unique to this neighborhood alone; they are scattered across suburban communities throughout the county.
Just last month, over 30 migrants, including children, believed to have been transported from New York City, were discovered living in a single-family home in Rockland County.
The recent migrant crisis in New York City has increased the demand for housing, resulting in an alarming increase in illegal living conditions.
Local authorities have taken action. They are seeking legal measures to prevent motels from serving as shelters for asylum seekers arriving from New York City.
Additionally, Clarkstown officials are targeting management companies that profit from running these unlawful conversions.
In Clarkstown, 37 properties are under investigation and the town has confirmed that only 20 are in compliance with regulations, according to officials, who said 17 of them might also be illegal conversions.
