Residents of Norfolk, Massachusetts, are expressing their frustration and concern over plans to transform a former state prison into a taxpayer-funded migrant shelter. The Bay State Correctional Center in Norfolk is being renovated to house migrants and homeless individuals who are currently staying at Boston's Logan International Airport and are on the waitlist for emergency shelter accommodation. The decision to convert the facility without consulting the local community has sparked outrage among residents.

Norfolk, a New England town with a population of around 11,500, heavily supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 elections. However, at a recent special Select Board meeting, approximately 300 residents gathered to voice their distress over the lack of transparency regarding the new shelter. They expressed concerns about the potential impact on schools, police, emergency services, and the already stretched municipal budget.

Residents demanded answers from the state government, questioning why they were kept in the dark about the project. John Semas, a Norfolk resident, emphasized that their opposition to the shelter did not make them heartless or lacking compassion. A small group of people even wore shirts and held placards that read, "Save Norfolk: No Shelter," as a visible expression of their dissent. Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, faced criticism for not engaging with the electorate and attending a climate change conference at the Vatican instead.

Governor Healey's office revealed that the shelter is expected to be operational next month as a temporary safety-net site for families experiencing homelessness. Families staying at the shelter will be subject to a 30-day engagement requirement and a monthly recertification process to demonstrate their effort in obtaining work permits, jobs, and housing.

The Bay State Correctional Center, which was decommissioned in 2015, is in good condition and has the capacity to accommodate around 140 families. The facility provides essential amenities such as shower and bathroom facilities on each floor, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, and a large common room. It also includes office spaces for case management and administrative activities. Play areas for children and classrooms for adult education and job training will be set up.

The state intends to staff the shelter 24/7 with a contracted service provider and provide transportation for families on and off the site. The governor's office has assured residents that the razor wire surrounding the facility will be removed, and the gates will remain open, allowing families to come and go as needed.

The exact cost of the operation to taxpayers remains unclear, but the administration has expressed a commitment to addressing community concerns. They plan to hold a community meeting prior to the shelter's opening to address questions and explore opportunities for community involvement, such as providing sports, arts, and music programming for the shelter's children.

While some residents strongly oppose the migrant shelter, others like Lucy Bullock-Sieger believe it is a compassionate idea to help those seeking a better life. The differing opinions reflect the complex nature of the issue and the challenges faced by the local community.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Governor Healey's office for comment but has not yet received a response.