Requests Attorney General Investigate Allegations of Consumer Abuse and Violations of Tenants’ Rights
On Friday, July 21, 2023, Schenectady County Legislature Chair Anthony Jasenski sent a letter to New York State Attorney General Letitia James requesting an investigation of the Super 8 Motel in the Town of Rotterdam.
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, the Super 8 Motel abruptly threw out all of its occupants, claiming that the Motel was closing. However, hours later, the Motel reopened and accepted a busload of asylum-seekers from New York City. There is probable cause to believe that the Super 8 Motel’s actions violated the rights of the previous occupants and caused them significant hardships.
“It’s clear that Motel management threw out their occupants in order to cash in on a lucrative contract with New York City,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Not only did they lie to the occupants about closing the motel, it appears that they also failed to provide them with proper notice before they threw them out to make the rooms available for asylum-seekers from the City, at a higher room rate. After consulting with the County Attorney’s Office, I’ve reached out to Attorney General James to request that her office investigate the Super 8s actions on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.”
The Office of the Attorney General has the resources and jurisdiction to investigate these serious allegations and ensure that people are not taken advantage of during a crisis.
“We ask the Attorney General to use the powers of her Office to protect Schenectady County residents from the effects of the current immigration crisis,” said Chairman Jasenski. “We understand that asylum-seekers are here looking for a better life, and respect their right to do so. However, we must ensure that the rights of all of our community members, especially those who are most vulnerable are protected in the process.”