Community Board 7 will be hosting a Zoom session about the use of Upper West Side hotels as temporary homeless shelters on Monday, August 24 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Those interested in attending can pre-register here.
CB7 states that “Due to the anticipated large audience expected for this session, it will not be possible to hear questions and comments in a town hall-type setting directly from community speakers.” They suggest submitting any questions or concerns in advance to cb7shelters@gmail.com. You will also be able to use Zoom’s “chat” function during the meeting.
All Homeless Lucerne Residents will be Relocated by End of September
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Others have also taken the stance that the situation is not as bad as many claim it is.
For a positive perspective on the #UWS: lots of people out & about, walking dogs, eating out, kids getting ice cream & riding bikes, people shopping & just generally enjoying themselves. All photos taken within blocks of (and sometimes right next to) the three hotel shelters. pic.twitter.com/i1NLAjcQxc
— Sara Lind (@saraklind) August 8, 2020
Simon Oren, the owner of Nice Matin (located at The Lucerne), told the NY Times that it’s only the perception of danger which has impacted his business.
“There was so much talk about here are 300 sex offenders who are going to attack you while you’re seated, so they’re not showing up,’’ adding that “so far we did not have even one situation with homeless from the hotel.”
In the same article, clinical social worker Amanda Fialk told the Times “To the best of my knowledge being homeless is not a crime, but we’re treating these people like criminals.”
There has been a lot of criticism towards Upper West Siders who’ve been hesitant to welcome our new neighbors with open arms. Plenty have accused these residents of classism, racism, and NIMBYism.
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Concerns Continue
Many Upper West Siders grew concerned when the New York state sex offender registry recently listed a Level 3 sex offender as a resident of the Lucerne Hotel, especially as the offender’s listed victims were 7 and 8 year old girls, and the Lucerne is located within 1,000 feet of a school.When we reached out to the office of Helen Rosenthal about this, they told us:
“His address was listed there in error and the City’s Dept of Homeless Services is working with the state to correct the registry.”
Edwin Morales is a client of Project Renewal and stayed at one of their other shelters in the past. He became street homeless and went to the Lucerne seeking shelter, but Project Renewal did not accept him into the Lucerne.
We have received this information from Project Renewal.”
As of writing, the offender’s registered address is now 600 East 125th Street.
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Helen Kim grew up in NYC and has lived on the UWS for many years. Her business on 72nd Street, a holistic PT practice specializing in women’s health, just reopened. She’s excited to have her doors open for business again, but is dismayed at what is happening on the city streets, including a recent experience that left her shaken.
Helen was recently shopping at a CVS when a man came in and began yelling and intimidating the people in the store. She feared the worst and realized in that moment that she, the other customers and staff would not be able to overpower the man if he became violent. Thankfully he left the store without harming anyone. This event left her worried that the next encounter may end differently.
Similar concerns have catalyzed the reemergence of the Guardian Angels, who’ve recently begun patrolling the streets with founder Curtis Sliwa.
“I’m Asian American. I have a solo practice. I’m an immigrant, like my parents are immigrants. On the UWS we have residents of all backgrounds, and of all nationalities. And we are definitely not racist or an elitist group of people, we want to see people get the help they need,” Helen said.
She noted that as a New Yorker, she’s used to seeing homeless people around, but stressed that what she’s seeing now is not what the city has seen in past decades and is concerned for what the future will look like.
Helen is one of the 10,000 plus members of the Facebook group Upper West Siders for Safer Streets. She hopes to shed light on the fact that this group is diverse and made up of people who come from all backgrounds.
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Recent Statements & Actions
Earlier in the week, Mayor de Blasio said that he would be moving the homeless men out of the hotels and back into shelters as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. He also called on the city agencies including DHS and the NYPD to help address local concerns.Although DeBlasio made a statement that he will move the homeless out of the hotels, some UWS residents do not want to wait to watch what they call a bad situation get worse, and have launched a new group called The West Side Community Organization. The mission of the group reads:
“West Side Community Organization’s mission is to advance safer and more compassionate policies regarding New Yorkers who are struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and drug addiction. Our grassroots organization will promote adequate services for those in critical need, help improve the quality of life for residents, and foster a healthy environment for small businesses to thrive. Our advocacy group includes families, seniors, singles, professionals, and hard-working service providers – all volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and affiliations who have united to keep our Upper West Side neighborhood safe and protect our quality of life.”
The group has hired a high profile lawyer to bring their concerns to City Hall. The New York Post reported that the lawyer, Randy Mastro, a former federal prosecutor, is calling on Mayor de Blasio to address the concerns of the UWS residents sooner than later or they will take him to court. The website also has a link to donate to their efforts, which as of Wednesday night has already raised over $31,000.
“In the guise of addressing a problem, it has created far greater problems that are proving devastating to this neighborhood and endangering residents and homeless alike,” Mastro told The Post. “We are calling on the de Blasio administration to clear up this mess of its own making.”
In an NYC moms group, one woman announced that she’ll be hosting Zoom Narcan trainings for anyone who is interested in learning how to save the lives of those who have overdosed. The organizer emailed us this link with more information about Narcan training and how having naloxone on hand can save lives. Many supporters believe that those who are suffering from drug addiction should have support and not be shunned by the community.
While the dispute has heated up, it is clear that there is still a divide on how the situation should be handled.
Want to better NYC? Get rid of comrade de Blasio ASAP.
I lived on the UWS for many years and loved it. No longer. I would never have believed so many lack any sense of decency. The Times article quotes remarks describing these homeless people as “subhuman”, and would like some “animal control.” Apparently these residents want them all returned immediately to packed shelters at great risk of contracting COVID-19. That many will die as a result bothers these “liberals” not at all, who Scrooge- like would probably consider that a benefit so as to reduce the excess population. If these critics ever had any compassion or empathy they seem to have shed them as easily as old skin.
The amswer to homeless is not jaming then into the upper west side. The city will bankrupt itself. Crime is up . Our neighborhood is unsafe . Deblasio you idiot . What about the children of the UWS . Warren Wilhelm the faster you are gone the better out lives will be . Bring them baked goods get real we are scarred walking at night and moving out of the city
He is term-limited, so he is out anyway.
I totally agree. But why do you assume that group is made up of “liberals.” My guess is that most of them are the conservatives and Republicans who make up ~15% of the electorate on the UWS. There may be a smattering of “limousine liberals” who give lip service to compassion and concern, but who talk out of both sides of their mouths. I have lived here 55 years, and I, too, have rarely ever seen anything like this knee-jerk hyperventilating NIMBY response, even given the very real quality of life issues involved. Very sad.
Actually, your claim about crime is not accurate. While crime is up Citywide, serious crime on the UWS is down 10% from this time last year, and 85% from 30 years ago. The only upticks were in shootings (though very few on the UWS) and burglaries (which have little or nothing to do with the homeless situation). So while quality of life violations are definitely up, it is simply not true that “crime,” as that term is generally used, is up.
That said, we definitely need a more comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to the issue, or it will never be resolved, or even diminished.
The homeless are being sheltered as granted under Title 24, Part 576 of Federal code. Shelters are Federally funded, and the homeless are being temporarily sheltered in hotels in most states in the U.S. due to social distancing requirements caused by the virus. The homeless and homeless shelters are protected under Fair Housing Laws. All opposition to any homeless shelter needs to be taken up with the federal government. It’s out of the City’s jurisdiction. There are false allegations being made against the homeless, that they suffer from mental health disorders and addictions. This information is protected under HIPAA, so whoever released this information is in violation of Federal laws. Many of the West Siders have done nothing but intimidate and harass the homeless. They brought in the Guardian Angels to follow their unethical lead to further intimidate and harass innocent people. These West Siders should be ashamed of themselves, and how many of them go to church and synagogue? How many of the West Side residents have mental health disorders and addictions? The 572000 US homeless human beings are average Americans who were driven homeless by failing social systems. Anyone who has information to the contrary to prove the entire homeless community are derelicts, mental patients, and drug abusers had better be prepared to prove this based on factual data. Otherwise, everything these negative West Siders have going on against homeless is based entirely on discrimination and myth. West Siders have no excuse for their unethical behavior. It’s not what America is about.
I have no problem with the shelters, everybody deserves a safe roof over their head right now.
I just want them to stop hanging out on the street till 2 am, blasting music super loud and disturbing the block on west 77.
some of us have to work the next day.
Betty: Thank you so much for your comment, compassion and courage!! You deserve a medal! (Or at least a big hug!) It is great to see accurate information being provided (I have been doing the same on NextDoor and other online community sites.) As you point out, there are federal (and State) laws that not simply allow but legally REQUIRE the housing and protection of the homeless. And I know that Randy Mastro – the attorney hired by UWSSS – knows this, so the group is simply spinning its wheels and paying for a high-priced lawyer who knows he cannot possibly win in court. Even were it not for the federal and State laws, there is no judge in his/her right mind who, in the middle of the worst pandemic in 100 years, is going to rule in favor of the group and force the homeless out.
And while I understand and appreciate that people are entitled to their fears and concerns – whether they are based in reality or perception – it IS sad to see so many people hyperventilating about what is a temporary situation that was done to save lives.
Thank you again for your comment.
Cecile: If there is music blaring in the street that late, you should definitely call both the precinct (212-580-6411) and 911. There are laws that govern the use of sound devices, and the volume they are at. As well, if you know (or strongly suspect) that any of those involved are residents of the Belleclaire, you should speak to the on-site manager or supervisor of Help USA, which manages the programs there.
I just called 911 and was immediately transferred to 311 which at midnight is not helpful.
I have been to the Belleclaire already 3 times. I was told the problem would be addressed … still waiting to see any progress.
It is shameful, it is only a handful of people who are creating the problem.
Cecile:
I am sorry to hear this. It is 12:15, and you are saying they are out there right now? I will try to get an answer as to why you are not being responded to.
Peace.
Just a few weeks ago, I was one of those alarmed at the noticeable sudden change for the worse on the UWS. The news of another hotel, the Lucerne, being used as a home for people with drug issues along with the information concerning sex offenders among those housed at the Belleclaire just added to what seemed like a growing homeless situation on the UWS streets. We’d had that stabbing at the 72nd St. subway station and at least 2 shootings in the 90’s that felt too close for comfort. However, this week, I am pleasantly surprised to see the UWS humming along. I can’t help to think that all the recent publicity and the Guardian Angels presence has helped make the difference.
Mary:
Simply FYI, the stabbing and shootings were not related to the “hotel homeless.” That was confirmed by the 20th Precinct (in the case of the stabbing) and the 24th Precinct (in the case of the shootings). They were just very poorly timed coincidences.
That said, I agree that, at least with regard to the Lucerne, the situation has indeed calmed down. This was also stated by several people at the NYPD meeting held at the 79th Street Boat Basin last night. It is probably the result of three things: the program at the Lucerne having finally gotten to 100% efficiency (the service providers for the hotels were not given much more notice than we were, and had to basically “make up” new program models in a matter of weeks, or even days – including while residents were already moved in – so it took a couple of weeks to be running smoothly), stepped-up foot and car patrols by the NYPD, and the presence of the GAs.
Yes they were still there after midnight. Again people can smoke their cigarettes on the street but being noisy at that time is not ok.
I will go to the Belleclaire again today but it does not feel to work and frankly it makes me look like an angry white woman.
People just need to be able to sleep on that block – I don’t think it is asking much.
I completely understand. As noted, I am going to try to get some sort of answer from the NYPD about this. Give me a day. Thanks.
An economics question: this is a very expensive program. There are many unoccupied motels in more rural or country areas in NY state. This would be much cheaper. I think the outdoor space would also be more pleasant for the residents (just like City residents who leave) during the summer. Is this not an option?
A medical question: The hotel shelters are to stop virus transmission. But why do the ‘monitors’ of these residents let them sit shoulder-to-shoulder on the Broadway benches?
While I cannot answer the first question, the Lucerne cannot control what its clients do outside, since their “authority” stops at the door.
That said, residents are required to be in their rooms for six daily wellness checks, including two at which their temperature is taken. (The only exception is those who work, and they are wellness checked, including temperature, when they return.) Not being in the room and answering the door for these checks is grounds for being transferred out. Any resident suspected of having Covid symptoms is immediately transferred to a quarantine-style facility.
I hope that info helps. I will try to find out about the other.
Cecile:
I as able to make contact with the 20th Precinct. They said they would address this matter immediately, either through having patrol cars monitor the area, or having the Commanding Officer call the head of security there and asking hem to make sure it does not re-occur. Let me know if it continues.
Peace.
UWS looks and feels like Bronx 30years ago. Just Wed night, around midnight, driving north on Bway going to the westside market Bway 110str. A gang of about 10 on motorcycles driving on the red light, driving up and down the Bway the opposite way for a block then turning around again and so on and on. And guess what. When parked on Bway 110str there were like three four police cars, more than 10 cops standing around the squad car boxes of pizza on the placed on the hood and having a party. They couldn’t care less about maniacs on the road.
While I am very sad to hear the there were officers nearby who did nothing, that group of motorcyclists has plagued Bway b/w ~110th and ~59th Street for years. I would suggest calling the 24th Precinct and seeing if someone will answer why nothing is done about them.
Thanks Ian, I really appreciate the support.
I noticed they have security guards during the day now. We never had problems during the day, I think they should have them at night instead.
I have not seen any improvement at night yet but will see over the next few days. Best,
You’re welcome, but your thanks might be premature. Are you saying it happened again last night? If so, that is not okay. Let me know.
Why are homeless allowed to NOT wear masks on W79 and Bdwy??? They could be super spreaders. BUT…restaurants, retail and park patrons are fined. Why are people getting “special” treatment?
David: Firstly, very, very few people have been fined for not wearing a mask, and those fines are ultimately not enforceable, so even if someone got one, they will never have to pay it. (That is actually one of the problems with that directive.)
As for the homeless at 79th/Broadway, the social service provider at the Lucerne (Project Renewal) does not have the authority to force their clients to wear their masks outside the building; Project Renewal’s authority stops at the front door of the hotel. Even the patrolling security guards do not have that power.
Ultimately, it would be up to the NYPD to enforce that directive, and they are not going to put staff and resources into something that is ultimately unenforceable. so no one is getting “special treatment.”
Finally, I would point out that there are as many – in fact, far more – “regular” residents who do not wear masks (or do not wear them properly). And since laws and directive would have to be applied equally, the police would have to be monitoring every Broadway mall, every park bench, every sidewalk in order to give out summonses for – again – something that is ultimately not enforceable.
Small victory, last night was the first night where people were hanging out quietly. No loud music and pretty quiet crowd, smoking and small talks.
So it seems you made it worked.
Thank you.
Last night was perfect – group of people but no music and drama.
Thanks
Good to hear. Let’s hope it continues. Le me know if it doesn’t. Don’t know how many times I can bother my source at the NYPD (lol), but if it becomes an issue again, let me know.
Peace.