Sanders Delivers Answers Regarding New Clarion Hotel Slated to Open Near JFK

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) held a meeting Friday to discuss the opening of a new Clarion Hotel near JFK, which will be located at 147-05 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in Jamaica. The co-owners / general managers Richie Dhillion and Haman Anand were in attendance to answer questions from the community.  Sanders said such a meeting was necessary to foster a good relationship between the two groups.  

“We have a new neighbor and we want to hear some details about that,” Sanders said. “The people who live in this neighborhood are homeowners. They are good, solid people, who want to make sure that nothing but the best happens here.”

Several community leaders were in attendance at the meeting, which was held at the Herbert Birch School in Springfield Gardens. One of their main concerns was that the establishment might be an hourly rate or “hot sheet motel.” Dhillion and Anand, both family men, whose wives and children joined them at the meeting, said that would definitely not be the case, adding that it would be a “proper, well run, clean hotel.” They said they anticipate that their clients will be families and business professionals visiting New York via JFK.

Attendees also had questions about security, parking, and possible jobs for the community. Dhillion and Anand said the hotel will have 50 rooms and 35 on-site parking spots. There will be an extensive security system with cameras both inside and outside, a panic button and alarms. The hotel will feature a breakfast/banquet area, but the men assured that there will be no liquor or rowdy parties. In relation to hiring, they said job priority will be given to area residents.

The hotel is scheduled to open sometime in the next two months. It will be called the Clarion Inn JFK or the JFK Clarion Inn. The owners haven’t decided yet. It is a franchise operation by Choice Hotels, another reason Dhillion and Anand said the community could feel confident that it would be a reputable business.

“We will make sure that we have a good connection with the community and with law enforcement, making sure that there isn’t any illegal activity or anything that may be of concern to the families and community members in the neighborhood,” Anand said.

The hotel’s location was chosen for its close proximity to JFK and because it is surrounded by a community that is growing and prospering with the opening of new businesses.

Dhillion and Anand told residents that they should feel free to contact them in the future should they notice any problems or issues stemming from the hotel.

“Our door is always open,” Anand said.

The meeting was co-sponsored by Queens Community Board 13, SpringGar and the United Neighbors Civic Association (UNCA).