Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and concerned members of the Brooklyn community are urging the City Council to repeal zoning laws that have allowed hotels to be converted into shelters without community input. Malliotakis emphasized the need for permanent, supportive, and affordable housing solutions instead of temporary shelters for the homeless.

Malliotakis stated, "The City should repeal its 2018 law that ignores zoning requirements and community input to allow shelters as of right. And, instead of warehousing people, the city should focus its efforts and resources on more permanent and sustainable solutions like supportive and affordable housing."

Under the 2018 Citywide Hotels Text Amendment, hotels can be used for temporary housing assistance by the City, State, or non-governmental entities. Data from the New York City Department of Homeless Services reveals that hotel shelters contracted with the city are paid daily rates ranging from $55 to $385, amounting to more than $11,500 for one room per month.

Malliotakis raised concerns about the misuse of public funds in homeless shelter contracts, citing instances of fraud schemes in New York City. She highlighted a recent case where a contractor pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges related to siphoning money from homeless shelter contracts worth $12 million.

In advocating for more stable housing options, Malliotakis referenced bipartisan legislation passed in January to strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). She urged Senator Schumer to allow a vote on this legislation to provide New York City with resources for building affordable housing instead of creating more shelters.

The community's call for the repeal of city zoning laws aims to address the challenges posed by hotel shelters and prioritize long-term housing solutions for homeless individuals in Brooklyn.