Joseph Chetrit isn't here to make friends. The most recent development from the never-ending soap opera that is the Hotel Chelsea is a Stop Work Order issued yesterday by the Department of Buildings (resolved, as of half an hour ago) after the heat, hot water, and gas were all shut off. In a letter sent out yesterday afternoon, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who represents Manhattan's third district (of which Chelsea is a part), accused Chetrit of having the utilities turned off in an attempt to force out the hotel's existing tenants, writing, "You must stop this blatant harassment." The Department of Housing Preservation and Development says that fines are forthcoming.
The tenants, who have already won one lawsuit against Chetrit, are licking their chops and planning to file another one next week. Chetrit is also currently involved in another legal battle with the hotel's former owner over some artwork that he thought came with the place (which he handed over to its rightful owners only after a judge ordered him to do so). Keep fighting that good fight, Joe.
· City to fine Chetrit over Hotel Chelsea conditions [The Real Deal]
· Hotel Chelsea coverage [Curbed]
Photo By Mattron, via Curbed Photo Pool
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