Welcome WABC TV Viewers

   If you're visiting the blog for the first time because you saw the segment on Channel 7 Eyewitness News this morning, welcome. I’m sure you’ll find much of interest here, including updates on what has transpired since the beloved Stanley Bard was ousted as manager over the summer.  In a nutshell, the long term manager and majority owner of the hotel, Stanley Bard, was accused by the minority share holders Marlene Krauss and David Elder of being a bad businessman and forced out in a hostile takeover.  The bottom line is, the hotel had simply become too valuable and the millions that their shares were producing for them just wasn't enough.  They brought in glass tower developers Richard Born and Ira Drukier to manage the hotel.  Media outrage ensued and the bohemian vibe of the Hotel was forever altered.   We’d like to see the Bard family reinstated, and for that reason the attention generated by WABC News is doubly welcome.
     In many ways, the Chelsea Hotel is a microcosm of New York.  The city is encouraging luxury development at the expense of affordable housing, and middle class and working class New Yorkers are being priced out. Landmark protections and rent protection laws need to be strengthened if New York is to retain its diversity and remain on the cutting edge. Please let politicans know of your concern on these issues.
     As far as the Chelsea itself, an important cultural institution is being destroyed because the new management company (BD) refuses to take in new permanent tenants, preferring instead to convert all rooms to transient use.  The heart and soul of Chelsea Bohemia is the building's mix of permanent tenants and transients over a wide range of economic situations. In addition, rent-stabilized units are being lost.  Once again, please voice your displeasure to your state & local representatives.  You might also want to call the hotel, or even drop by, to complain. -- Ed Hamilton