Recently, it was revealed that a “transient hotel” is being planned on purchased property in an area of the South Shore in Richmond Valley that is entirely economically unsuited for its placement. Instead, this development is the product of a developer who has a history of building cheap hotels, with the intention of selling their vacancy to the city at an exorbitant price to serve as housing for homeless and illegal migrants. This sought of development by a predatory, non-Staten Island developer is out of alignment with the character of Richmond Valley, and with the needs and concerns of its law-abiding community.
Frank Morano, standing as candidate for the 51st Council seat was first out of the gate in presenting opposition to the planned development. Just this weekend, Frank shot off letters demanding answers to Letitia James, Attorney General of the State of New York, and Rohit Aggarwala, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
In his letter to Ms. James, Frank formally requested an immediate investigation into the developer, Tejpal Sandhu, as well as his other developments in New York City. Mr. Sandhu has a history of developments that have faced intense community opposition, a litany of building violations, and a history of misrepresenting his planned developments to gain favor in the approval process from the relevant agencies and from local communities. If Ms. James can waste millions of New York taxpayer dollars investigating President Trump on bogus claims of misrepresenting real estate in Florida, then she can absolutely take the time to investigate bad faith development in her own state, in Staten Islanders own backyard.
The planned development site also raises numerous environmental questions, which Frank posits to Commissioner Aggarwala. That part of Richmond Valley is prone to severe flooding with existing drainage systems barely able to cope. Has the city done a proper stormwater management study to ensure that a 46-room “hotel” will not have a negative impact on existing homes and businesses in the area? Furthermore, Frank requests a full environmental impact survey to ensure that the sensitive ecosystem around the development will not be impacted.
Staten Islander’s have been the unfortunate target of unscrupulous developers for decades. This planned “hotel” is perhaps a blatant attempt by a predatory developer to screw over Staten Islander’s once again. There is no need for a 46-room “hotel” in Richmond Valley unless the intention is to turn to the money tap of a Democratic controlled City Council and Mayor’s office and transition the building into a homeless and/or migrant shelter.
Frank Morano has made his opposition to this project clear. Staten Islanders on the South Shore are done having the wool pulled over their eyes. This is our home and the issues that impact our quality of life are paramount. As your future City Councilman, Frank Morano will stand with us, and fight against those who wish to take advantage.
Sign The No Shelter on the South Shore Petition
"*" indicates required fields
