Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan to Accommodate Migrants Expected in New York: Mayor Eric Adams Announces up to 1,000 Rooms Available

Just a few years ago, the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan accommodated tourists. It closed three years ago. It will soon be busy again, however, when the historic building accommodates migrants expected in New York. Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday that the Roosevelt should make up to 1,000 rooms available for migrants expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The reason for this is the expiration of rules from the time of the coronavirus pandemic, with which the US federal authorities could turn away asylum seekers at the border with Mexico.

Space for migrants is becoming scarce

In New York, hotels are currently being turned into emergency shelters. Many are in central areas — it’s close to Times Square, the World Trade Center Memorial, and the Empire State Building. Adams said space for migrants is running out. He has sought financial assistance from the State of New York and the US federal government.

“New York City has now catered to more than 65,000 asylum seekers – has already opened more than 140 emergency shelters and eight large-scale humanitarian assistance centers in addition to this one to deal with this national crisis,” Adams said of the use of the Roosevelt Hotel announced.

Given the increased need for accommodation, the city is making use of vacant hotels. This includes the Holiday Inn in Manhattan’s financial district. A few months ago, the lobby windows at the 50-story hotel said it was closed. Reopening the hotel as a city-funded property makes financial sense, said Scott Markowitz, an attorney for the hotel owner. “They rent every room in the hotel every night at a certain price.” This would generate “considerably more income” than with a normal hotel operation.

Creative Accommodations

New York City has used hotels for a different type of accommodation before. Social distancing has been difficult in group accommodation during the pandemic. So the city rented hundreds of hotel rooms. This need decreased as the pandemic weakened. But starting last year, thousands of migrants arrived by bus, which is why the city relied on hotels again.

“It is our moral and legal duty to provide shelter to anyone who needs it,” the New York City Welfare Administration said. The city will therefore use all possibilities to meet the demand.

Looking for a longer term solution

Before the surge in the number of incoming asylum seekers, New York’s homelessness had been increasing. Shelters were overcrowded and there was a lack of affordable housing.

New York City Hotel Association President Vijay Dandapani said the city needs longer-term solutions. “Hotels are not the solution for these situations.” Taxpayers may get the impression that migrants are living in luxury at their expense.

Among the homeless, private quarters in a hotel are seen as a better choice than barracks-style accommodation, which is often provided by the city. Having a room to yourself gives you peace of mind, said 55-year-old homeless woman Kassi Keith. “I can go to sleep with both eyes closed,” she said. You don’t have to leave anything open.

Roosevelt Hotel becomes the Welcome Center

Dozens of migrants have protested this year being forced out of hotel rooms and quartered in barracks at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. There is poor access to public transport. The protesters complained about the cold, a lack of privacy and a lack of toilets.

According to the authorities, the Roosevelt Hotel is to open as a welcome center in the coming days. There should be medical information and resources there. The hotel will also offer 175 rooms for families with children. This number will then increase to 850. An additional 150 rooms should be available for further asylum seekers.

RND/AP