Illegal Hotel in Park Slope
What can be done about illegal brownstone conversions into hotels/inns in the neighborhood? There is one innkeeper in the name with three properties that are not registered as SRO’s with the DOB. It attracts quite a lot of transients to our normally quiet neighborhood and blocks our street every morning for airport taxis. It’s a…
What can be done about illegal brownstone conversions into hotels/inns in the neighborhood? There is one innkeeper in the name with three properties that are not registered as SRO’s with the DOB. It attracts quite a lot of transients to our normally quiet neighborhood and blocks our street every morning for airport taxis. It’s a shame these homes aren’t available for rent/sale to residents and it is hurting our quality of life. Does the city crack down on these illegal conversions or is there an agency to report this to?
If 311 hasn’t been satisfactory, and you’re quite sure they’re not paying taxes, try calling the NYC Department of Finance and the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance directly. They likely won’t shut them down, but you can get them to start paying taxes and to cough up for the back ones.
And for the “leave them alone” crowd, why would you support someone cheating on their taxes and at least potentially not complying with fire and building codes? Do you like paying extra for the people who cheat? Do you get a thrill when someone dies in a firetrap? Really, what’s the attraction for you here?
@snowman2
Perhaps I was not clear. Two brownstones-3 apts each. 1 brownstone – 6 rooms. The DOB has a few complaints filed already on this verified illegal conversion. Their Certificate of Occupancy is registered as residences (Class A) not Single-Room Occupancies (Class B). A law was signed against these illegal hotels that will go in effect May 2011. Unfortunately, since this is not a Manhattan issue, the local councilman & DOB are waiting for the Mayors Office of Special Enforcement to start cracking down on them.
nimby i bet!
I don’t think that Sarah Palin is so thrilled with her neighbor either.
In any case, if its illegal or not is not something you need to research. Call 311 and file a complaint. If its properly licensed your complaint will be investigated and dismissed. if its not properly licensed, a complaint of some sort will issue. If its an illegal conversion, it may be a fire hazard and other wise in violation of law. But even if it is, it may take a long time to get the city to do something about it. There is a task force to enforce these….in Manhattan but it will eventually get here.
Personally if your only complaint is waiting cabs honking there is a better way of dealing with that which is making a complaint to the TLC about the car service.
If it is more than that late night parties, weddings etc that is a different thing. If its not bothering you leave it alone…IMO….
why do you assume it’s illegal? it doesn’t have to be an SRO to rent it out short term. as long as the owner is paying sales and occupancy taxes (and has a permit to collect said taxes), it is legal for her/him to rent it out as a short term rental, be it one night or a month or a year.
That the owner is renting “out all three apartments in two brownstones” is none of your business. There is no law that a brownstone must be owner occupied. You may have a legitimate gripe about 6 guestrooms but I suspect you have no actual knowledge re the grim picture you are painting of the place.
If you already reported it to “311, DOB or my local council member” and you got no satisfaction, maybe they are legit and you just don’t like it.
OP Here:
I do count my blessings. I’m grateful I don’t have arson, gunfire, gang violence on my block. What I DON’T like (as a NYC resident & as a moral human being) are property owners who rent out all three apartments in two brownstones and have 6 “guestrooms” in one brownstone AND DOESN’T PAY THEIR TAXES. The person (a p/t real estate) scooped up the homes when the market was down & is taking exploiting the Brooklyn appeal to line their pockets. We tried getting a block association started. The shady owner was a no show. We asked about the taxi pile up during morning rush hours on our one-way street? Sorry, the “innkeeper” isn’t in. What about getting their business listed in some local directories to bring less shady clientele to the area. Sorry, not answering their voicemails.
All in all, I would rather have a neighbor with B&B signage, is present on the property and earns money legitimately. What we are dealing with is a greedy ghost who only appears to collect cash from nightly guests.
For those who are siding with the guests/tourists – think about your last stay at a legitimate hotel. Now think how that would compare to an illegal conversion – with bedbugs, shoddy renovations, leaky roof, and stained furniture. How secure would you feel if a fire occurred – no fire alarms, lost entry keys and no property insurance for your burnt luggage? Got hurt falling down the narrow brownstone stairs? Sorry, but here’s some hush money. Have an issue with overcharge? Whoops, your credit card company doesn’t see the business listed as legitimate, it’s a personal transaction and you’ll have to take it up with the shady innkeeper.
So, as the original post requested, are there any other avenues to report these illegal conversions, other than 311, DOB or my local council member?
There is a very nice (and pricey!) B&B in Park Slope. It’s gorgeous! There are a number of legal B&Bs Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights as well. I know a homeowner who rents out the garden apartment on that short term lease thing someone mentioned above. It seems to be okay.
Okay. Off to cooking!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!
ALL CAPS and multiple exclamation points?
Have a nice holiday.