It's been on the news but a reader wanted to know more about the reason why L-Hostel at 1961 ACP/7th Avenue was shut down last week. The Department Of Buildings reported unsafe conditions and has the following notes listed for the property at 118th Street:FAILURE TO COMPLY W/TWO EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY REQUIREMENTS FRO M FROM A R1 OCCUPANCY. ILLEGAL DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW AS EXITS
Apparently there needs to be two stairwells available for the hostel to be legal and thus the issue with the two exits. The owner has been trying to get more answer from the DOB against the allegation that the building was illegally converted since he is adamant that all the proper paperwork was filed. This particular L-Hostel was originally a condo conversion but when the market soured a couple of years back, the new business was created. As a reader pointed out, the hostel really brought a lot of business and foot traffic to this corner of ACP so let's hope they get things resolved quickly. On the other hand, maybe it's time to change it back to condos. Just get rid of those extra bunk beds and go for market rate. See the clip of the NY1 video on L-Hostel: LINK. Photos by Ulysses
It's a beautiful building - would make a much nicer condo than the new construction along FDB. It sounds like this is just a temporary closing ...
ReplyDeletemy wife and I had booked the L hostel for may 10to may 18 2010. when we arrived it was closed. thankfully we only lost 80 dollar deposit. does anyone know if it can be recovered. fortunately there was another number to call cch hostel 120 60st sw.very clean convenient,good area walk to time square,central park etc. e-mail me at skerrattr@yahoo.ca with comments. thankyou rob
ReplyDelete