The temporary center for 500 asylum seekers at Orchard Beach, where tents had already been set up, will be relocated to Randall’s Island, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Monday night in a press release.

Moving the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center came as a result of the weekend’s storms, Adams said in the press release.

“While we would be able to put in place the necessary ponding mitigation measures, relocating the Orchard Beach humanitarian relief center to Randall’s Island is the most efficient and effective path forward,” Adams said. “This new location is less prone to flooding, is closer to public transportation and will provide temporary respite to 500 asylum seekers.”

The center at Orchard Beach had not yet opened and was to provide housing to refugees for up to 96 hours.

On Sept. 22, Adams announced the Orchard Beach operation would provide assistance and shelter to asylum seekers from border states. The center was to offer legal information and health and safety support to adults primarily from Venezuela escaping economic instability and violence. 

New York City Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez, who has Orchard Beach in her district, had requested increased a police presence around the shelter location. 

The city’s earlier press release described such centers as “expertly designed and built climate controlled, safe spaces.” However, concerns arose due to Orchard Beach’s designation as a “special flood hazard area.”

New York City has provided shelter, healthcare, education and other services to more than 16,000 asylum seekers, Monday’s release said.