Randy Mastro, the attorney representing the West Side Community Organization in its efforts to shut down the temporary homeless shelter at The Lucerne Hotel, at 201 West 79th Street, found his Upper East Side townhouse vandalized on Tuesday night, the NY Post reports.
Mastro wasn’t home during the incident, according to the report, but a neighbor whose property was also vandalized notified him, and they both reported it to the police.
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Tensions over the temporary homeless shelters on the Upper West Side have been high for months. The temporary homeless residents of The Lucerne Hotel were recently scheduled to be relocated to a site in the Financial District, but after a number of pauses, the next court date, scheduled for November 16, will determine their future.
Both the West Side Community Organization and UWS Open Hearts Initiative, its opposing group in favor of keeping the temporary Lucerne shelter running, have condemned the action – as have local leaders.
Another attack on the people of the UWS and those who represent their interests. Our hearts go out to Randy Mastro and his family. Violence is never the answer. #savetheuws @savetheuws pic.twitter.com/hoOKghZWJ5
— West Side Community Organization (@westsideco_org) October 21, 2020
We’ve received reports from one of our faith leaders that Randy Mastro’s home has been vandalized. UWS Open Hearts and Lucerne residents unequivocally condemn this kind of personal attack. Our fight is for human dignity for all, and we extend our support to the Mastro family.
— UWS Open Hearts Initiative (@UWSOpenHearts) October 21, 2020
I’ve seen reports that Randy Mastro’s home has been vandalized. While I understand that tensions are high regarding the situation at the Lucerne, civil discourse must prevail. Destruction & vandalism won’t solve anything, and I unequivocally condemn this kind of illegal attack.
— Gale A. Brewer (@galeabrewer) October 21, 2020
