Councilmember Helen Rosenthal talked to people about the hotel being turned into a homeless shelter.
By Jacob Rose
Shortly after groups of homeless men began to arrive by bus on Monday morning to their new living quarters at The Lucerne Hotel on 79th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Councilmember Helen Rosenthal showed up in a car, and was soon surrounded by locals.
One man confronted her about when she had known that 283 men would be placed at the hotel, and Rosenthal said she had learned about it last Wednesday.
“Do you think anyone believes you?” the man asked.
“I know I’m telling the truth,” Rosenthal responded.
The conversation continued in a heated tone.
“You should know who you’re talking to,” Rosenthal said. “You’re talking to the councilmember who represents this district.”
“If you guys are going to be nasty, I’m not going to have this conversation,” she said.
Some Upper West Siders say they have felt blindsided by the decision to place men dealing with drug addiction in the hotel.
Rosenthal told residents of the impending move in a constituent email on Thursday, but many in the community have complained that they had no say in the matter. The city says it is using the hotel as a shelter to allow for better social distancing measures.
The men were residents of two East Village shelters run by a nonprofit called Project Renewal that helps people recovering from drug abuse. Some of the men had already been moved to a hotel on West 51st Street — but conflict between shelter residents and their neighbors caused them to be moved again, one shelter resident who calls himself Da Homeless Hero told West Side Rag.
The first yellow school bus carrying men from the shelters arrived at the hotel just before 10 a.m. on Monday, and buses continued to trickle in roughly every half-hour over the course of the morning and afternoon. Each bus let off about a dozen men, most of whom walked into the hotel carrying a couple bags of belongings. Project Renewal’s Director of Security said that the bus arrival times were being staggered and buses not completely filled for social distancing purposes.
The Rag asked to speak with some of the homeless men entering the hotel, but a Project Renewal representative said that the organization needed to focus on transferring the men today. Da Homeless Hero, in an email to the Rag, said he was grateful to be in such a nice spot.
“I ended up in a single room that is extremely beautiful. I hope that everyone takes pride in this situation to allow them to make a better transition toward independent living,” he wrote. “I’ve spoken to some of my co-residents and they all seem to understand that. I hope that during this time we all can take advantage of this opportunity and at the same time respect the community.”
Local residents pressed Rosenthal on several other issues related to the transfer. On the issue of when The Lucerne’s contract with Project Renewal will expire, Rosenthal said giving a firm end date was not yet possible. “It’s open ended because COVID is open ended,” she said.
Another resident asked Rosenthal about Sunday’s report in the Rag — a commenter on that report had claimed “that there are sex offenders living in these buildings.” Rosenthal responded that she had spoken to an unidentified city commissioner earlier that morning, who had assured her that there would be no sex offenders living at this site.
Rosenthal said her main concern is making sure that Project Renewal can give proper care to the homeless men moving into The Lucerne. “What I would ask the community to do is let Project Renewal do their job,” she said. “The most important thing is [that the men get] access to the care that they need.”
Community Board 7 Chair Mark Diller showed up to The Lucerne earlier in the morning to monitor the transfer. While Diller said that he was “grateful” that Project Renewal had briefed local officials about the transfer, he said he was disappointed by the DHS’s decision-making process.
“If [the DHS] had reached out to us, we would have been able to share with them a number of issues that the community is concerned about, and rightfully so,” he said.
“Process really matters. Process is how we turn fear into collaboration. And that’s what we were denied here. And that’s what I’m most concerned about because one of the consequences of being denied a fair and appropriate process is that we end up with voices that don’t follow our history of welcoming and empathy.”
Other locals echoed Diller’s points, arguing that the fate of Project Renewal at The Lucerne will hinge on the details of the program. Ron, who lives on 79th Street, says he acts as the NYPD’s 20th precinct civilian coordinator. He said he was eager to hear more information about security details and the level of supervision the homeless men would have.
Project Renewal declined to share these details for the time being. It released a statement, saying, “Our 70 staff and security members will be here around the clock to ensure the well being of our clients and to work in partnership with the community.”
Several residents expressed concern for the prospects of Nice Matin, a restaurant on the northwest corner of 79th and Amsterdam inside the same building as The Lucerne. Nice Matin’s manager declined to discuss how he expects the move to affect his business, but did say he had a productive meeting with Project Renewal’s security team on Monday morning.
Keith Lewis, who owns 79th Street Pharmacy a half-block west of The Lucerne, said he would wait before giving an opinion on how this might affect his business. He could live with the decision, he said, “as long as it’s done properly.”
Residents of nearby apartment buildings watched the buses pull in, talking with each other about what this transfer might mean. Arthur, a resident of The Gloucester, across the street from The Lucerne, at 200 W 79th Street, said, “I think everybody needs a home. I’m just concerned what the negative aspect of the neighborhood may be. If you have one person of the 283 who’s a little off, it’s dangerous. A lot of the neighbors I talk to are upset.”
Not even 24 hours on the block and in a short walk to do some errands here’s what I’ve picked up:
1. The news vendor on 78 & B’way has been hit with petty theft of his cash box by a man he’s unfamiliar with
2. Iphone stolen on the block
3. Woman stared at by folks from the building…noted her necklace and she ran home to take it off
4. Noted they are harassing people at the restaurants on Amsterdam
5. Neighbor noted they are in pairs and buying liquor and sitting outside – happy to get waisted in public
6. Saw at least 2-3 people who looked like zombies (i.e. they were heavily intoxicated on SOMETHING)
7. Trash in neighborhood is absolutely ridiculous – this is new and noteworthy
8. It is barely 8pm and the streets have become deserted…
When did you have time to run your errands? Let’s have some empathy for people. Now that it is in your neighborhood it’s an issue? It’s been an issue for communities of color for a long time. Be a good human and try to help those who need it. You never know when you may need help.
OK let’s try empathy with YOUR logic.
Here’s my question to YOU: now that each of them has their own room, then WHY are their personal belongings all displayed on the sidewalk?
Please don’t lecture us, or position yourself as kinder than us. We couldn’t bear the pretentiousness of it.
SO: JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION.
“ Woman stared at by folks from the building…noted her necklace and she ran home to take it off”
Please, stop. Your hyperbolic post is verging on unhinged.
Unless you’re tracking individuals in and out of the building you have zero proof that any of this is related to the men who have barely moved in.
Hi, xStacy. How do you know these things, please? If the community really does want to track possible incidences together as commenters on other articles about this matter have said, I think it’s important that we distinguish between things we know because they happened to us personally and rumor. I think we will all sleep better at night if we can stick to actual facts, like the news vendor possibly being robbed, which is a real crime that West Side Rag should be able to fact check by obtaining the police report, vs things that could just be simple misunderstandings, like the woman with the necklace. How does she know that is what he was looking at? That to me sounds more like it could have been her impression due to fear or due to assuming that these men are going to steal. I’m not saying it didn’t happen. It could have. I don’t know. I wasn’t there. Were you?
Rumors do nothing but fearmonger. That said, I am all for us keeping each other engaged as a community regarding the FACTS.
We need to keep a list of any indiscretions and report immediately to the precinct, 311. This is the only way for a continued NYPD presence. Clearly the security is not working if you have witnessed all of these incidents.
Rosenthal’s office says there will be (not sure when) a number to call “24/7” to report any incidents. If such a number materializes, who will be answering the call? What will they actually do?
Provide some sort of documentation?
I doubt we’ll see any problems the first few nights. They’re probably savoring their $400 a night hotel rooms with king size beds, flat screen tv’s, cable & of course, powerful air conditioning. Who wouldn’t want to live for free in a luxury hotel?! In a few days after they get bored is when they’ll decide to wander around their new neighborhood.
Yes, how dare they have housing and nice amenities. Why can’t they just be back on the street or in a prison where they belong, right?
Would you like to live there? I bet you wouldn’t regardless of any kind of amenity you assumed.
The Lucerne used to be the hotel of choice for our company’s business travelers. My in-laws used to stay there as well when in town. The rooms are very comfortable. Homeless residents would kill to be housed there – trust me.
I imagine it was heated as she was fielding questions, but this response from Helen is a joke
“You should know who you’re talking to,” Rosenthal said. “You’re talking to the councilmember who represents this district.”
I wish I could have retorted something a long the lines of “and you should know you’re talking to someone who has a say in whether that will continue to be.”
Mark sounds like he is actually concerned for the area’s wellbeing. I wish more of our leaders acted like that
“You should know who you’re talking to,” Rosenthal said. “You’re talking to the councilmember who represents this district.”
Doesn’t this say it all–her sense of self-importance and righteousness. How about, as an elected representative, she’s supposed to be the voice of the people?
Does Helen Rosenthal realize she is a council member because this community put her there. If she wants respect, she needs to earn it. She should have told Project Renewal that she had to meet with her constituents and explain this before they moved in That would have been respectful of this community.
Bottomline is that residents in the area were NOT NOTIFIED!!!! This has made me furious! Also making this family neighborhood unsafe.
Residents in the community (and apparently the councilmember in question) were likewise not notified of a moratorium on parking in front of certain buildings on West End Ave on weekdays. Some things go above the council’s heads. That’s a policy problem, not an oversight issue on Rosenthal’s part.
If you’re concerned about raising your kids in NYC, teaching them to handle themselves near homeless shelters comes part and parcel with the territory.
Bottom line, people need a place to stay, and it is being graciously offered to them. Think of the last selfless thing you did and extend that courtesy to someone you may encounter in your own neighborhood.
My husbands comment when I told him about the hotel now housing homeless people, and how we both noticed more homeless people in general on the street asking for change is that we really do need to start carrying change and single dollars to help.
Because we are fortunate, privileged and count our blessing every single day.
I was talking to one homeless fellow and told him how I only use debt card and how so many people no longer carry change. he agreed it’s hard. We talked about using the app $Cash.
Folks you will not catch homelessness when you talk to a homeless person also wearing a mask, you can have a conversation, talk to people.
It makes people feel less invisible.
Thank you for saying this.
Let’s keep on saying it so the folks all hear this message.
We’re in the middle of the pandemic it’s so privileged an idea I should be notified about everything that happens to everyone in the community, just calm down everyone and maybe volunteer or bring clothes or other things needed to these folks.
Peace on earth starts in your community and caring for others!
I live on the block and all of the restaurants up until now were crowded finally getting back some business these past few weeks. They were empty tonight. Thanks Lucerne for killing local businesses and not caring about your neighbors safety. Over 300 children live on this block and within a few hundred feet of 2 schools. Helen would only care if it affected her block. Same with Diller.
Ridiculous assumption. I was walking the street tonight at around 7:45pm. Nice Matin had only 2 tables not occupied. Bettola was slamming and families getting Gelato at Amorino. A security guard was on the corner and as I walked down 79th street I was not acosted by anyone asking for money. Then at 79th and Broadway there was Carl on his little island doing what Carl always does. This is New York City folks. We are not in Kansas. (Nothing against Kansas)
M sure it being 90° for two days straight had nothing to do with it.
The hyperbole is ridiculous.
I mean, in the middle of an insufferable heatwave we may be able to blame this on the temps and people not wanting to sweat more than they can chew
This mayor is turning our nice neighborhood into a crack den!
Your concern for your fellow man is inspirational.
Has there ever been a council person who has done more to HURT her constituency and LESS to protect it? The UWS is officially over. Every single day I see moving vans of people leaving. And what kind of fascist city is this that a community has no say???
How neighborly of you to stop every person who you see loading up their moving van where they’re headed off to. I hope you’re similarly welcoming new neighbors to our beloved corner of the city!
This is shades of former City Councilmember Ruth Messinger, who thought it was a good idea to house homeless men in the Belleclaire and other UWS locations that tore up the neighborhood in the 70’s and 80s. The Lucerne is a really bad idea and an inapproriate location, which schools nearby. We learned this back in the bad old days.
If Rosenthal didn’t even know about this until a ‘few days ago’ then she’s either incompetent or not doing her job.
Votes count and she needs to go.
H. Rosenthal will be gone: “The Upper West Side council member was fundraising for a run for comptroller, but announced in July – a year before the June 2021 Democratic primary – that she would be dropping out of the race. She told Gotham Gazette that, while she wants to stay in public service, she doesn’t plan to run for another office in 2021.”
https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-city/what-will-outgoing-new-york-city-council-members-do-after-2021.html
What happened to the traditional West Side ethos of social justice? For so long, many on this site have taken up cause with all sorts of progressive themes – but when it hits your wallet or neighborhood all bets are off.
These people in the shelters are human beings at risk more than many of you – where is your compassion? Just another example of the standard NIMBY approach to dealing with society’s problems.
As for Helen Rosenthal – well you get the government you deserve. She was useless her first term and more so now. Perhaps people will pay some attention nest election.
She is finished on the Upper West Side.
Please just stop with the hyperbole.
The men haven’t even been in the hotel a full day yet. Project Renewal is an excellent organization, and very well-run.
There are going to be 70 people working with the men while they are temporarily living in the empty hotel during a pandemic.
I keep hearing people utter concerns about people and businesses during the pandemic, but when a temporary solution develops, you balk at the chance to help out both local businesses and your fellow human beings.
You all need to take a breath. This is New York City. The city is made for everyone, not just people who may pass your financial/social test.
Many of these comments show quite an ugly side of humanity.
And yes, I live in the neighborhood. I will not partake in NIMBYism.
Elizabeth, there was one security guard posted for the entire day. I passed him 4 times and he was looking down at his phone each time. This is Day One, when they’d be trying their hardest to at least pretend to care about the safety of the neighborhood
Not true. They had over seven guards and the head of the security team out in front of the Lucerne all day. I spoke to them. Why are you not telling the truth? Shame on you for inciting all this venomous hyperbole.
Thank you. Reading these comments made me feel ill. Shame on these people.
Reply to Ish Kabibble:
I have the same response. It literally turns my stomach.
It might be true that 238 homeless is too many. but the crazed, irrational response is way over the top. The6 are dehumanizing people. There is a pandemic going on and this is to save lives.
Go ahead, move out of the city!
I think it’s great they’re giving the underprivileged where to stay. I love our council member Rosenthal.
Look, we are the privileged class and we need to help those who aren’t as fortunate. It’s my honor
Bet you don’t own property or have young kids. Easy to talk.
Mel, my kids were taught not to be bigoted, and to always try and help those less fortunate. When I become tainted like you, it’ll be my time to leave.
What happened to the $850 million that was given to Mrs. Mayor because her project was to take over the homeless situation with that money. We’ve seen nothing and heard nothing. That’s what’s upsetting.
As a native New Yorker is Mrs distressing to know that I booked prominent guest artists at this hotel and now what? I have seen most rooms and know the manager. It’s very sad and distressing for the people in the neighborhood who are already feeling the effects of the move in.
@H
As someone who works intimately with a nonprofit organization for the mentally disabled, and onsite at one of their transitional homes, I can tell you that Thrive NYC was a debacle — lacked accountability, wasted funds, incompetence… and those are the positives.
An example where local government gets it badly wrong and makes the situation worse. Zero impact of Thrive NYC on many mental health organizations on the ground. So, what happened to its millions?
It’s nice to see you weigh in on the discussion councilwoman Rosenthall 😂😂
Thank you, Marc, for interrupting this NIMBY festival with compassion. I’m sure these people will be supervised and to assume that every crime emanates from them is silly
We do need to figure out how to help these human beings – so for those who are distressed, l concerned, fearful – perhaps provide helpful, constructive proposals as to where these men can live and turn their lives around with the proper resources and community support. And please note I live across the street
Then why won’t you put the homeless in your home? That is your right and your privilege. Our right is to be safe in our own neighborhood. We pay dearly for it, and we deserve to enjoy it.
Speaking as one of your neighbors, I would suggest that if you don’t feel safe, you should definitely move away.
Speaking as another of your neighbors, I would suggest that if something is making us feel unsafe, we should ask the relevant questions and work toward addressing it. Not move away and leave the city to crime or filth or drug abuse or a myriad other issues.
Where exactly are your priorities – and more importantly, why? Why would you conflate active civic discussion with lack of compassion? Why would you advise someone to give up on their rights, “move away”, and what – disappear? A bit…”bigoted”, don’t you think?
Not In My BackYard!
This is NYC. If you’re looking for a gated community, I suggest Florida…. oh wait.
The vicious responses above make me ashamed to be a lifelong Upper West Sider. Thank you, Marc, for being a voice of reason among all this hate.
i’m thankful for upper west siders like our councilwoman who prioritize the health of the unhoused community instead of espousing harmful stereotypes
SUE Project Renewal. SUE the Lucerne. Litigation in this case is absolutely warranted.
lol. yall act like you own this city. you’re in freaking nyc….homeless people need somewhere to stay and the hotel is empty. they’re not in your apt…so chill. let them have a bed to sleep in.
a false dichotomy. unwisely blowing limited tax payer dollars to pay huge sums for luxury homeless housing — how can a luxury hotel be the only empty type of hotel? — is deeply unfair to the taxpayers who themselves struggle to make ends meet. Most folks I know work hard for every penny and it’s galling to see the taxes taken by the city wasted so brazenly.
We need more people who show care for other human beings. The people living at The Lucerne are human beings with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Who knows: maybe the next iPhone or Amazon or Tesla will be developed by one of these people in a room at The Lucerne. Be optimistic and cultivate optimism in those around you—including those who many believe have no reason to be optimistic.
As much as our politicians are to blame for this situation. Let us not forget Shimmie Horn, Sam and Ronald Dom.
Sam Dom, the owner of the Lucerne conveniently sold his 8,2000sf townhouse in the neighborhood last year as he and his family are now living in the Hamptons while we deal with his “business deal”.
Shimmie Horn, owner of the Hotel Belleclaire and the Washington Jefferson on 51st Street has been making millions off New York City’s homeless problem since the 1980’s. Shimmie’s father Morris was known as the king of the homeless shelters.
Useless gossip doesn’t add anything to the narrative. I’m neither shocked or surprised that people own property and do business.
You think it’s bad now, just wait until the start robbing and assaulting people. I live on the west side of midtown Manhattan. There are 3 hotels that I know of converted to “Temporary homeless shelters” they are doing Drugs in the street during the day and robbing people (mostly elderly people) with no fear of arrest. I haven’t even seen a cop car on patrol in the last 3 days. I am done with NYC, I will commute to work from somewhere far away from here.
The absolute lack of compassion for human life in these comments is selfish and shameful. These men are doing their best to turn their lives around. They need to be supported not treated with disdain.
Thank you to those who have shown empathy, decency and solidarity for our fellow humans.
They are doing their best to turn their life around? How do you know that? Accounts from someone on the inside tell a very different story. To those that truly are trying to change, your point stands, but I don’t think you can make a blanket statement like that.
I am big fan of self help but I thought this was just luxury housing for the homeless. How is luxury housing self help?
I believe Helen Rosenthal is term-limited. That may explain her indifference to what her constituents say.
My name is Lang Martinez and yes i am a homeless advocate, but when it comes to these indaviduals getting a free ride with no accountability and i consider thrm to be vagrants as i once was, then i am a Advocate of Accountability! In this case you’re hand up to them is a hand down and how do you see this being any benefit to them or the community? In regards to virus they are less likely to get it in a outdoor environment then a shelter in place! You have indaviduals that are drug induced and more than likely mental health. Monies should of been spent wiser
You can find my articles and articles written about my involvement in Ventura County
Go online to Citizens Journal.US
Can someone please compile a list of email addresses for who we can voice our concerns to?
-The contract needs to be publicized to the community.
-The sex offenders need to be removed from proximity of schools.
– Project Renewal defunded the police and infused the neighborhood with legitimate criminals.
Beware the xenophobic hyperbole
@Will
Tossing these terms out in the window mean nothing. I’m sure it feels self-satisfying, virtuous on your part: “I’m woke, I care more than others, I’m enlightened and compassionate.” So what have you done on the ground, practically, to combat xenophobia, increase compassion while promoting sensible and reasonable measures that has to take into account a number of complex stakeholders, contexts and environments? You’re a troll of the cowardly variety.
Rosenthal doesn’t care because she can’t run again due
to term limits. She is a very lame duck and was never effective anyway. Worst constituent office ever. It’s inconceivable that this could happen without community input. The city Is using the uws as a dumping ground for a problem they can’t solve with no thought to long term consequences. Perhaps a better spot would have been near the mayor’s home in Brooklyn?
No doubt our politicians deBlasio & Rosenthal spending money they didn’t actually earn . . . have found the very best value for taxpayer dollars – keeping in mind that as such stewards they are fiduciaries.
Apparently $400 (or whatever) in one of the nation’s most expensive zip codes is the best value in ALL of New York City they could find.
.
I have spoken to a supervisor at The Belnord Hotel, which is as we know also housing a couple hundred homeless men.
To my surprise, due to the Callahan law I think it is, none of the homeless people can be mandated to take medications for mental illness issues, and are allowed to drink alcohol in the buildings. Only taking illegal drugs is prohibited, and that’s difficult to monitor.
Basically the police are called when violence breaks out.
They also cannot be forced to social distance or wear masks.
Fun times.
I find it interesting that the neighbors of the 51st facility were able to get the entire population of the facility to the Lucern. It seems that one community can reject these problems but the UWS cannot.
It’s disappointing that the council and the mayor work lots of hours to figure out how to give developers multimillion dollar tax breaks and other perks while they let the HOMELESSNESS problem fester. It’s shows where their loyalties Lie. Not with the homeless or the neighborhoods but with big money!
This is a story about the bankruptcy of social justice on the Upper West Side and within the very gut of city government. That these men have been moved about like chess pieces speaks to the abject failure of “Cant Get Rid Of Him Fast Enough DeBlasio” and his less than stellar effort to deal with one of the most pressing issues confronting NYC. And he makes it worse by shrugging off accountability for the clearing of the homeless camps on the LES by responding “its a police matter.” As for Rosenthal:she is term limited and is not running for another public office. The treasured and nurturing liberalism that once thrived here is dead. Social justice and property values do not compute.
Though I feel all sorts of ways about the entrance of the new residents to the Lucerne – they are deserving human souls; yet some pose real and genuine threats – I think what really matters the most to Helen Rosenthal and many members of Community Board 7 is the condition of their second homes upstate; whether any shelters for the homeless will be permitted within a mile or two of these second homes; and if they can continue to be able to keep their “private cars” in their private garages at their second homes without being outed to stressed Upper West Siders street parkers as arrant hypocrites. And, oh yes, if they can remain free from having to look five ways before crossing the street in front of their second homes for bikes, e-bikes, and Revels, or asked for money on every other block. For, clearly, these “representatives” are no longer of this neighborhood.
Has the Lucerne come up with a plan to give back to the community? Are they going to pay for the extra street cleaning services? Why are the tax paying base paying to preserve two PRIVATE owned businesses?
Almost funny to see so many who rally for justice and in support of the disenfranchised fall off their high horses as soon as the disenfranchised might show up at their doorstep.
Almost.
I am deeply offended by the overt racism & classism present in these comments – AND in the article. I work in indigent defense. Poor people are systemically marginalized and their criminalization is due to the perpetuation of SYSTEMIC VIOLENCE & SOCIAL STRATIFICATION. Our new neighbors deserve to be valued and supported, not SURVEILlED & PUNISHED by those in power. They deserve community and social services-not this disgusting condescension & treatment as though they are criminals. It is NOT a crime to be poor. They have done nothing wrong. Public discourses around local tensions like this – make visible the true nature of our deeply wounded & SEGREGATED city. Homeless & poor New Yorkers deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and compassion, just like you. I want an Upper West Side that stands in Solidarity with marginalized peoples-not one that actively works to further oppress them.
OVERT racism? I haven’t seen a single comment pointing out the race of the Lucerne residents, either directly or implied.
It is very easy to feel empathy and want to support people who are struggling, whether it’s poverty, drug addiction, mental illness, physical abuse, etc. That does NOT mean the concerns are just pulled out of thin air by shrill snowflakes.
First of all, this is not a racial issue so please stop saying that and diminishing the actual racial issues in our country. Those of us who are opposed don’t know or care what race these people are. Most of our “resident homeless” on the UWS are white.
This is an issue of safety. I would be a lot less concerned if there were women and children mixed in. I live near the building at 83 and West End that provides services to women and children. It is very well run and safe and I have no problem with it even though it is out of character for the neighborhood. The men being placed in these hotels are largely very different. I fear for the safety of my children.
You want those of us who don’t like it to leave? I wish I could. But I am stuck with a big mortgage. If I could get out, all that would be left are the super woke extremists, while the rest of us, who are more liberal and caring than 95% of America, will be gone. Good luck to you.
If the city was bringing in poor families with children it would be different, but the fact that we’ve already been told these men are addicts and sex offenders is another. Or are you saying that they’re addicts and sex offenders because they are poor and we should somehow feel responsible because they are marginalized? I’ve already witnessed enough violence toward myself and others because of ‘marginalized’ people on the streets and don’t want to see it happen again.
nobody has said that the men in the Lucerne are sex offenders. You’re getting them mixed up with the population in the Belle Claire. They are recovered or recovering substance abusers, which can include alcohol.
This is unreal . Time to unite to get Rosenthal out of office . We will vote her out. The Westside ( our home ) is a disaster. Rosenthal and Deblasio have killed our neighborhood . Thanks so much . Vote her out!!!!
I see you’ve really kept up with local politics. LOL.
Remember this is the west side aren’t we supposed to support this left wing government you voted for. This is the liberal west side you did this to yourself by not being moderates. You did this to yourselves think about it!
You ain’t seen nothing yet our Marxist mayor will do whatever is politically correct to advance his wife’s agenda spending a billion dollars on something that didn’t work why are there so many homeless after a billion dollars? Wasted, makes me sick
You’ve hit all the extreme-right’s talking points. Who knew parrots could type?
The lack of compassion for those less fortunate shown by the tone and amount of responses to this story (and to the original one) is simply sad.
This is what lending a hand to those in need looks like. Nobody said it was easy. There’s a certain degree of openness, and therefore vulnerability, in showing compassion to others. I think that’s what has so many in the neighborhood expressing hostility to the move. We all want to help others but not when those we’re helping are too close to us for comfort.
I think we should quiet a bit and give these people a chance at getting better while staying out of covid-19’s way. At the end we’re all going to be better served.
The lack of compassion for those less fortunate shown by the tone and amount of responses to this story (and to the original one) is simply sad.
This is what lending a hand to those in need looks like. Nobody said it was easy. There’s a certain degree of openness, and therefore vulnerability, in showing compassion to others. I think that’s what has so many in the neighborhood expressing hostility to the move. We all want to help others but not when those we’re helping are too close to us for comfort.
I think we should quiet a bit and give these people a chance at getting better while staying out of covid-19’s way. At the end we’re all going to be better served.
What I want to know is what happened to the $850 million that Mrs. mayor was given as her project to help take care of the homeless situation in NYC many years ago. Does anybody know where the money is and why the situation is worse? And now we have this.
New Yorkers and UWSers please wake up before our city is totally destroyed.
We pay ridiculous prices in rents and mortgages, unbelievably high taxes, and all we ask is to allow us to live in peace, make a living to support our families and know that we will be safe in our homes and neighborhoods.
It’s not too much to ask.
This is what happens when you continue to vote in progressive Democrats because you “could NEVER vote for a Republican.” Please think before you put a check mark down the D line in the upcoming elections for the next two and three years before it’s too late to turn this around.
Right, because the 20 years under Republican mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg were all just a figment of our imaginations. The two mayors prior to this one couldn’t possibly have been Republicans elected by the citizens of NYC. It was all just a dream.
Do you even follow current events?
The community must be told now what their schedules will be; do they have weekday groups, therapy, etc., support, or are they just allowed to roam the streets and do nothing, if they want, day or night? Are there curfews? How often will they be tested for Covid; if infected, what will be done? What about masks and social distancing? The community deserves answers now.
Really? Why? The only people who need to know the intricacies of their lives are themselves, their counselors in their Project Renewal program and perhaps their AA or NA sponsors, if they have them.
You have no business asking for that information. They don’t owe you the details of their lives.
The comments in this feed are atrocious. So much for social justice…
The “Community”? Or just YOU? How about we get a your schedule of activities. When were you last tested for covid?
These people are not convicts or parolees on work release – although given the misguided bail reform, some probably are. But why should they be treated any different?
The people of the UWS have overwhelmingly supported progressive policies and politicians for decades. Now your chickens are coming home to roost. You get what you deserve.
I really wish people would stop saying that we lack empathy for not wanting 283 homeless men with SUBSTANCE abuse issues moving into the neighborhood. I for one am very empathetic to their struggles; however, they need to be in a proper program and not just left to their own devices at an expensive hotel on the family-friendly upper west side. This is not fair to the residents who pay their fair share in rent and taxes to no longer feel safe in their own neighborhood.
It’s bad enough that the Belleclaire has turned into housing for sex-offenders, now 283 men with issues are added?! Where is the logic? Why not house homeless families in these hotels?
If anyone knows what we can do as a community to either have these men moved and/or prevent other buildings in the area from housing homeless men with substance abuse issues please let us all know.
They are in a proper program: Project Renewal. It is a well-run organization that knows what they are doing.
https://www.projectrenewal.org/
Elizabeth, can back up your assertion that PR is “well-run” and “knows what it’s doing?” Can you provide quantifiable examples of their success? Can you provide any records or data about the relapse rate or arrests of their members or former members?
Sharing a link to their website is not “proof” of anything.
I gave you the link to their organization as a starting point for your research. I didn’t intend for you to just look at the website and say “I’m good”. You need to research it further yourself.
Why should I do your work for you? I’ve already done mine. When I wanted to know more, I spent about three hours researching various aspects of the organization. They have a good track record. Their programs are highly regarded. Their structure is well-organized, which is key to helping people build a life after addiction. They have a large network of support.
It’s not hard to find the information you need if you have a telephone, the internet and any general researching skills.
You really should do your own research; especially since you’ve gotten yourself tied up in knots over an organization (and it’s participants) that you know nothing about.
Please do the research before you freak out. That goes to about 70% of the commenters here who have forgotten that homeless people are human beings, and the men in this situation has already asked for help. They wouldn’t be in the program if the organization thought they didn’t have a good chance of succeeding.
First, your snarky reply is not needed, I was the original poster that YOU replied to and then someone else commented on your response to me, so your assumptions miss the mark. I also researched Project Renewal; I am still not convinced they are able to handle this current situation. I hope nothing more than for everyone to live in harmony with one another, but past situations with the homeless (in particular the mentally unstable homeless population) on the UWS have proven otherwise.
Secondly, I am extremely empathetic to the struggles that the homeless are facing, but I have EVERY RIGHT to be concerned for the safety of my neighborhood and the inhabitants, which are mainly older people and families with children.
Elizabeth – It’s nice to know what they (Project Renewal) *have* or the tens of millions of dollars they control, but what do they actually *achieve*?
For all their *haves*, what did your comprehensive research uncover on the relapse rate of the single homeless men battling substance abuse? How many are independent, drug-free, working, contributing members of society 5 years out? 3 years? 1 year at least? How many of these men are sustainably off the streets long-term? Why not highlight those successes?
Even PR’s own 2018 annual report doesn’t go past 6 months in discussing shelter-related success rates. Even those are likely very skewed by other populations/clients they serve. As someone who works with data daily, I can make an educated guess what that means – this “success” drops precipitously after this period.
And of course, their reporting will not even attempt to analyze what new shelters like Lucerne do the safety of the communities they move in. That’s probably not included in their (or your?) definition of social justice.
Is anyone addressing the filthy and drunk individuals who are lying in the streets these days? And it should be noted that none are wearing masks.
Since so many UWS hotels are now serving as homeless shelters, would someone in Homeless services please at least work to get the people camped out on Broadway between 84th and 85th in to housing? If we are going to make the effort to get people off the street then we should make sure those in the neighborhood are housed. Our community can do better than allowing for piles of trash and people sleeping among those piles. Do our local officials not see this? Did they move out of town for the summer? How can they just walk by when they are the ones with the power to make a difference?
Who here will match my $25.75 donation?
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/ProjectRenewal/
This never would have happened under Roberta Semer’s watch!
“If you guys are going to be nasty, I’m not going to have this conversation.” — Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal.
“If you criticize our policing, we’re not going to police.” –Certain members and “leaders” of the NYC Police Department.
Who the hell are these people?
reply to Abdul:
you believe breaking off a conversation because someone is being nasty and aggressive is the equivalent of not performing required policing duties?
Most likely those of you/us who are are commenting on this post are doing so from the safe haven of an apartment. I wonder, have you or a friend ever experienced homelessness? In this current political climate, it could happen In a flash .
Stop ranting about Rosenthal, Lucern management, etc, Just get a grip on the human dimension. Compassion for those among us who are not blessed with a roof over our heads.
Hear, hear. It is our responsibility to take care of those in need. This is the whole premise of social justice. Wouldn’t you want the support you need if you were homeless?
The lack of humanity in these comments is staggering.
For all the new people posting tonight, it’s not the fact A shelter is coming into the neighborhood, though terrible near a school, it’s the fact that there are 25 shelters and low income housing in our 3 zip codes ALREADY. It is unmanageable which is why we saw garbage, panhandling, drinking, petty crimes, robbery, urinating in public, fighting and drug use on Broadway Even BEFORE the pandemic. The 70s are seeing what’s already been happening in the 90s. The whole UWS has already helped the unfortunate for years. It’s too many to manage now after years of accepting shelter after shelter.
Also the NY Post posted the video of Helen Rosenthal being confronted and her pompous attitude is astounding.
Reason no. 45,346 why people, especially young couples, are leaving NYC. Like all hard-earned things, (e.g., wealth, respect, trust) what took decades to build in this city can be (and is being) eviscerated in only a few years. Stay safe out there.
This is going to end very, very badly.
Since the Children’s Museum is moving from 83rd st, why not build a permanent shelter there? I mean, aside from the fact that it’s across the street from the Bromley. Where the councilwoman lives (and apparently so does Michael Moore). I would hope they’d be as welcoming on their block as they expect the rest of us to be on ours.
Helen sold her condo in The Bromley.
Heard she’s living in the Hamptons.
But don’t know that for a fact.
I live two blocks away from this hotel and I want to ask how it might be possible to volunteer? Help cook meals? Organize things? Distribute necessities? Is there anything the community can do to be supportive and show these men that the Upper West Side can actually be a wonderful place (despite what you might read in some of these comments)?
It is possible to hold two
(or more) thoughts/ sentiments at the same time. These men, many of whom are sick in body and mind, are deserving of our compassion and concern. They are victims of a broken social justice system and a wholly In adequate healthcare system. Warehousing them without adequate supervision or social services is not doing them any favors, no matter how luxurious their digs. At the same time, as a lifelong New Yorker & West Sider or for more than 50 years, I have lived through the “good old days,” the dangerous old days, and the gentrified recent days. Whatever our feelings are about the homeless population, we should all be in favor of safety, good health and well-being for all, and that will only come about if the city and our elected officials are willing to shell out for proper housing, healthcare education and opportunity for all!
This is really well put, Madeline. I agree with you. I really hope Project Renewal can do their job well and support these individuals to get back on track with their lives as any human being deserves. However, today alone, I saw a man leave the Lucerne shelter and walk right into moving traffic which was alarming. I also noticed a pair of residents outside the Lucerne discussing how they are going to knock out a man. Others were walking around the streets aimlessly without masks. I do hope there are enough socio-emotional supports being provided daily and sessions to help integrate the residents into jobs and supporting themselves which is the ultimate long term goal, right?