Senator Avella, Councilman Grodenchik, Assemblymembers Weprin and Solages, and Civic Leader Augugliaro Announce That City Will Remove Homeless From Bellerose Hotels Within 60 Days

Queens, NY – Today, Senator Tony Avella, Councilman Barry Grodenchik, Assemblymembers David Weprin and Michaelle Solages, and civic leader Angela Augugliaro announced that the Department of Homeless Services will comply with the hotel owner and community’s wishes to no longer use the Bellerose Inn or Quality Inn of Bellerose as housing for homeless individuals and families and resume normal hotel operations within the next 60 days.  

This confirmation comes after weeks of requests by the elected officials and president of the Queens Colony Civic Association Angela Augugliaro for the City to look into permanent solutions that abide by the City’s own regulations. It also comes on the heels of a press conference announcing that the owner expressed a desire to return these two locations to normal hotel operations.  

“It is refreshing to know that Mr. Patel followed through on his commitment to us to no longer use these two hotels to house the homeless. Now that we have confirmed that the City will comply with his wishes, we have to work towards finding a more permanent solution to help these families.” said Senator Tony Avella.

“The two hotels will now revert to serving visitors, the purpose for which they were intended,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik.  “I am working with my colleagues in government on measures to address the homelessness crisis and look forward to collaborating on long-term solutions.” 

"The housing of homeless families in Queens hotels is a short term solution to a complex and difficult crisis. With New York State law mandating access to a living space with a kitchen, shelter provided at hotels is often inadequate for the families placed at these sites" said Assemblyman David Weprin. "I thank Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Steven Banks for recognizing this reality and communicating a clear plan for the future of these temporary shelters in Eastern Queens."

“Today’s news is validation that communities are empowered when all stakeholders work together. A tiny hotel room is not a solution for homeless families. These conditions are unacceptable.” stated Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages. “N.Y.C. Department of Homeless Services has expeditiously responded to the concerns of Nassau County homeowners.  I applaud the efforts of my local community members, as well as my colleagues in government who have worked diligently on these issues. Together we will continue to fight to protect the quality of life of our Homeowners, while addressing the serious needs of the homeless community with compassion and caring.”

“The agreement by the City to no longer house homeless individuals in these two hotels was welcomed and shows that you can accomplish great things through an open dialogue. I would like to thank Senator Avella, Councilman Grodenchik, and their respective staffs for their assistance in speaking up for Bellerose” added Angela Augugliaro.