City Sues to Shut Down Alleged Illegal Hotel
In a rare move, New York City is going to court to halt what it claims is an illegal hotel operating at 440 West 41st Street.
A suit filed Wednesday in state court names six defendants, including US Suites LLC, the building owner, and Ben Zion Suky, the principal.
Although it overlooks an off-ramp from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the building is a desirable crash pad because of its central location. Marco Iannuzzi, a visitor from Italy, said he’s paying just $80 a night. Around the corner, he said, a room in the Yotel, a legit hotel, would cost about $160 per night.
440 West 41 Street has racked up 28 violation notices since 2013, and more than $26,00 in penalties. The city claims 80% of the 95 apartments are being used for short-term rentals, in violation of the state multiple dwelling law.
The City’s suit seeks an end to tourist rentals, plus civil penalties and punitive damages.
The defendants declined several requests for comment.
In hearings this week, the de Blasio administration's enforcement chief for quality of life complaints, Elizabeth Glazer, took a barrage of questions from officials concerned about illegal hotels. Public Advocate Letitia James looked unimpressed when Glazer told her the city had filed just two lawsuits to shut down illegal hotels.
Now, Glazer can claim three such suits.
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