Chetrit may own it; the landlord may run it; but the tenants have to deal with it.
Another link in the chain of debacles at the Hotel Chelsea came to a head when the architect hired by the Chetrit Group to remodel the facade of the century old landmark made his proposal to the tenant's association, DNAinfo reports.
According to said proposal, the windows will be replaced, along with new water towers, two new elevators, and replacing certain storefronts, and of course, as previously reported last week, a high rooftop extension.
Renovations to the interior already rose all hall, resulting in a lawsuit, as well as noise and dangerous conditions, including asbestos, which have repeatedly forced the tenants to take action, but only to be put down by the Hotel landlord.
The permanent residents were allowed to say under the stipulations of the change in ownership, but clearly based on recent events, their rights or voice is often dulled for whatever Chetrit wants to happen post-renovation.
During this breakdown of the renovation proposal, the architect Gene Kaufman actually refused to answer several questions, according to DNAinfo, especially the purpose of the rooftop extension.
Kaufman also refused to disclose any expanded documents related to the proposal, forcing Community Board 4 Chair Corey Johnson ask whether they had something to hide, "I find that an unacceptable answer."
Building conditions have not improved since the interior renovations were undertaken. Not to mention the smells of smoke and fire proliferate the building, which caused Hotel Chelsea staff to actually tell residents not to call 911.
Kaufman and Chetrit lawyers and representatives keep reassuring the tenants that the roof's use will still pertain to the building.
For more on the story check out DNAinfo
