Hundreds of newly arrived asylum seekers could be staying at New York City’s historic Roosevelt Hotel over the coming weeks, according to a report from the New York Post.
New York Mayor Eric Adams is in talks to convert the historic Manhattan hotel into a shelter for migrants, the surge of which is expected to explode over the coming weeks following the expiration of Title 42. “While there have been few details revealed about this proposal, City Hall has confirmed to me that there are significant discussions taking place to provide temporary housing for migrant families, as well as other services at this location,” said Fred Cerullo, president of the Grand Central Partnership.
The city has reportedly offered to secure 1,025 hotel rooms for migrants for 36 months at a rate of $200 a day, according to a report
The Roosevelt Hotel, a luxury hotel owned by Pakistan International Airlines closed in 2020 due to financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It has yet to reopen, though a handful of businesses still operate storefronts at the ground level.
According to the New York Post, multiple construction crews were seen coming and going from the hotel lobby on Tuesday, signaling potential movement on a deal. “Everyone is under the gun to get everything done. To make it suitable living conditions for people,” according to one contractor, who said his company was hired a week ago to make sure the plumbing is adequate,” a contractor, who wished to remain anonymous, told the outlet.
“It’s not terrible. It’s old and the building is outdated. “But it was an operational hotel up until a few years ago so it’s not in shambles but it needs some TLC.”
The contractor added that it is understood among workers that the building will soon house migrants.
