PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sandy Patel, Business Owner/Representative from NYC Hospitality Industry on Intro 991-B
1:54:50
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164 sec
Sandy Patel, representing hotel owners in New York City, testifies in strong opposition to the proposed hotel licensing bill, Intro 991-B. He argues that the bill, while presented as a safety measure, could adversely impact the hotel industry and may be unnecessary given existing regulations.
- Patel emphasizes that hotels already operate under strict regulations from various city departments and have demonstrated commitment to the community during crises.
- He expresses concerns about the bill's language, particularly regarding mandated collective bargaining agreements and direct employment of core employees.
- Patel warns of potential negative consequences, including higher room rates and reduced tourism, urging for open dialogue with industry representatives.
Sandy Patel
1:54:50
Hello.
1:54:51
Thank you, Council members.
1:54:52
My name is Sandy Patel.
1:54:54
I'm with a group that owned several hotels in multiple boroughs within New York City, and we've been doing this business in this business for well over 20 years.
1:55:04
I'm here to express my strong opposition to the proposed bill, licensing bill, intro 991.
1:55:10
While this bill is being presented as a safety measure, many of these provisions have little to do with safety and could adversely impact the hotel industry as a whole in New York City.
1:55:21
For years, hotels in New York City have operate under under a certificate of occupancy similar to thousands of restaurants and other businesses within New York City.
1:55:31
They are already subject to rigorous regulations enforced by DEP, FDNY, DOB, Department of Health amongst others.
1:55:40
Additionally, COVID 19 had severely impacted our industry, and many hotels have yet to recover.
1:55:47
During the recent homeless crisis and migrant crisis, it was the hotels that stepped up and to provide shelter for the people in need, demonstrating their commitment to the community.
1:55:57
They did not choose to be either a sanctuary city or a sanctuary state but this is the right thing to do, and that's where we all stepped up.
1:56:04
I wish to highlight a few points that came to our attention, certainly my attention, that I think could use some some tweaking, some language, that could use some tweaking in that sense.
1:56:18
First of all, the mandated collective bargaining the collective bargaining agreement language, it's very vague in nature at this time.
1:56:27
It requires compliance with the CVA This certainly infringes on the rights of employees and employers.
1:56:33
Historically, government has never mandated such agreements making this provision potentially unconstitutional.
1:56:42
There's no evidence to support that the collective bargaining guarantees adequate procedures or safeguards in any business operations.
1:56:49
Additionally, requiring direct employees of core employment of core employees represents an overreach of government authority.
1:56:58
The origins of employee core employees employ employment should be not be tied to guest or staff safety and should remain a business decision.
1:57:06
In conclusion, potentially, this bill could have dire consequences with with higher room rates, and essentially tourists not come into New York or choosing to be in New Jersey.
1:57:17
This will, and effectively, have an effect on their restaurant business and taxpayer and tax dollars into New York City.
1:57:26
I urge you guys I urge everybody on the board here to have open dialogue with people within our industry.
1:57:33
Thank you very much.
