Some compassion-fatiguedUpper West Side residents are probably pretty hopeful about this lawsuit: The Post reports that the owners of two single-room occupancy buildings—the Dexter House at 345 W. 86th St. and the Hotel Alexander at 308 W. 94th St.—are suing to block an "anti-flophouse law set to go into effect May 1."
The state is trying to ban apartment rentals of less than 30 days. However, the owners of the Dexter House and Hotel Alexander claim there will be "significant economic harm" if they have to change their business model and the owners point out they offer tourists and others an affordable place to stay instead of "traditional luxury hotels."
There's already a $7.9 million contract in place for a homeless shelter to take over the Hotel Alexander's building, which has upset neighbors and elected officials as well as the Hotel Alexander's 10 permanent residents.
