City drops plan for full Maspeth shelter for now

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As word got out that the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) moved in 30 homeless men into the Holiday Inn Express on Monday, city officials seemed to indicate that the ongoing nightly protests have worked so far.

“Due to local opposition to housing homeless New Yorkers, we have not been able to convert this site into a full shelter at this time,” said DHS spokeswoman Lauren Gray.

The key phrase is “at this time.” DHS Commissioner Steven Banks said at City Hall yesterday that the city has not given up trying to house homeless people in Maspeth. The only reason why they were unsuccessful was because the “property owner would not permit us to go forward with our full plan to use the full building.”

But the owner of the Holiday Inn, Harshad Patel, only caved after the nightly protests hurt his business enough for him to pull the plug. As the demonstrations continue into the fall and winter seasons, protesters said they’re not giving up, and they sure don’t believe the city’s word.

“This mayor really underestimated Maspeth,” said Robert Holden, president of Juniper Park Civic Association. “We’re going to be out here with larger forces every single night.”

Banks later said at that press conference that “the city will not back down.” That means if Patel suddenly changes his mind and decides to go through with the plan again, the city will welcome him and his hotel with open arms.

Skeptical protesters are already alert and ready in case that ever happens.

Read more about the city’s move and protesters’ response here.

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