Greece, N.Y. (WHAM) — Police, animal control and firefighters took part in a multi-agency effort Monday to move people out of Greece’s Studio 6 Extended Stay hotel.
Town Councilman Spencer Bernard said neighbors have been filing complaints and demanding action for weeks.
“Anywhere from prostitution to drugs,” he said. “Neighbors were finding drug paraphernalia out in the streets, they’d be walking their dogs, they’d be walking their children.”
Bernard said Studio 6 has had over 320 emergency calls to 911 so far this year.
“That’s more than double the neighboring hotel,” he said.
At a public hearing June 18, the Greece Town Board agreed to temporarily shut down the hotel.
BACKGROUND: Greece leaders approve temporary closure of Studio 6 Extended Stay hotel
Bernard said the hotel has about 15 outstanding fire violations, along with health and property maintenance issues that need to be addressed before it can reopen.
“They need to get that placed into compliance,” he said.
Bernard said former Studio 6 clients were not just put out on the streets and are going to other hotels or shelters.
“I am confident and comfortable that where they are going is better than the where they (were),” he said.
Attempts to reach hotel ownership for comment were unsuccessful.
As for who is footing the bill to relocate those people, the town said it is not providing any financial assistance to Studio 6 or its guests, with the Monroe County Department of Human Services and the House of Mercy helping in the placement.
Bernard said there will be another public hearing on July 16 at the Greece Town Hall regarding Studio 6, and he’s encouraging the neighbors and businesses to attend.
“Please let us know if you’re seeing action, if you’re satisfied for what you’re seeing there,” he said. “(Then) we can reconsider their special use permit to operate.”
