PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Mukesh Patel, Member of New York Minority Hotel Association and Asian American Hotel Owners Association
2:18:50
·
3 min
Mukesh Patel, representing small hotel owners, testified in opposition to Intro 991-B, citing concerns about its impact on small and minority-owned hotels. He argued that the bill's provisions, particularly the ban on subcontractors and licensing requirements, could harm small businesses and the overall tourism industry in New York City.
- Patel challenged the bill's approach to preventing human trafficking, stating that the industry was already willing to work on this issue.
- He emphasized the importance of subcontractors for small hotels, arguing that they provide well-trained and vetted staff.
- Patel requested clarification on licensing requirements and suggested extending the licensing term from 2 years to 5-7 years.
Mukesh Patel
2:18:50
Can you hear me?
2:18:50
Yeah.
2:18:52
Good good afternoon, members of city council.
2:18:56
My name is Mukesh Patel, a member of the New York minority Hotel association, as well as member of Asian American Hotel Owners Association.
Amanda FarÃas
2:19:06
Sorry, Mister Petokini.
2:19:07
Give me one second.
2:19:07
Can we pause the time?
2:19:08
We need silence in the chambers.
2:19:10
Thank you so much.
2:19:11
You can continue.
Mukesh Patel
2:19:13
Hi.
2:19:14
Good afternoon.
2:19:15
Members of city council.
2:19:16
My name is Mukesh Patel, a member of the New York City Minority Hotel Association, as well as member of Asian American Hotel Owners Association.
2:19:26
I am the owner of number of small hotels in Outer boroughs.
2:19:29
I'm here to oppose this anti business legislation for a number of reasons.
2:19:34
Few months ago, this bill was initially introduced as an anti trafficking bill, even though there were some other provisions that we felt needed negotiation.
2:19:45
We were in total agreement to do so, even more from industry to prevent trafficking.
2:19:51
We came to this country with big American dream.
2:19:54
We have worked very hard to build a life in America.
2:19:58
We have been successful in building small businesses and have been very good citizens of this country.
2:20:04
The ban on subcontractors also runs counter to one of the bills stated objectives to increase safety and security at hotels.
2:20:12
3rd party employees work in our hotels are fully trained and vetted by the agencies that hire them, the use of trusted agencies and insurers.
2:20:22
Consistent and third training protocols that prepare staff for a wide range of scenarios.
2:20:28
While large hotels can afford and may prefer to hire these positions directly, The broad staffing mandates include intro 991 do not account for consequences on operations of small minority on hotels.
2:20:44
Furthermore, these licensing requirements may hinder the ability of new hotels to enter into a market.
2:20:52
As we know that 2021, new spatial permitting law already have big dents on new hotel developments in New York City's Five boroughs.
2:21:02
I urge the city council to consider the broader broader implications on these proposals for the city's economy.
2:21:10
Tourism is a vital industry of New York, generating 1,000,000,000 of dollars in revenue each year and supporting 1000000 of jobs.
2:21:19
By imposing additional regulatory burdens and potentially raising operational cost.
2:21:25
We risk making New York City a less attractive destination for travelers, which would hurt both businesses and employees.
2:21:33
Small independent and minority owned hotels have routinely stepped up to help community providing New Yorker a safe clean place to sleep when fire or super storm Sandy destroyed their homes, or when nurses and doctors working long hours to make sure the taker of us during the pandemic time to risk between the hospital sips.
2:21:56
Lastly, I request you to elaborate more in details as many of us are confused with collective bargaining agreement.
2:22:07
Can you please tell us if CBN not required, then what are the requirements going to be to qualify for a license.
2:22:17
And also
Julie Menin
2:22:17
Okay.
2:22:18
I'm just gonna ask you to wrap up because the time is at place.
Mukesh Patel
2:22:20
Yes.
2:22:21
Thank you.
2:22:21
One more thing, ma'am.
2:22:23
Also, sincerely request you to consider licensing term from 2 years to 5 to 7 years.
2:22:29
Thank you.
