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Dutchess County was granted the order by Dutchess County Supreme Court Judge Maria Rosa on Tuesday, May 23, said Dutchess County Executive William O'Neil.
The order prevents the New York City Mayor's Office and Department of Homeless Services from transporting any additional homeless adults or minor individuals in temporary shelters in New York City to Dutchess County, including, the Red Roof Inn at 2349 South Road and the Holiday Inn at 2170 South Road, both in Poughkeepsie.
In addition, Dutchess County officials maintain the right to make safety inspections at both hotels, officials said.
"The City of New York has been ordered to continue to provide and incur all reasonable expenses for service provided to any individuals who were transported to Dutchess County prior to today’s order," O'Neil said. "New York City is required to pay for all reasonable expenses relating to each person’s stay."
The order also requires New York City to provide identification information to county officials for all currently in New York City’s care who are housed at the Red Roof Inn for legitimate purposes, including ensuring all of their needs are being met.
The order is effective until Tuesday, June 20, as the county pursues a permanent order, O'Neil said.
Currently, there are 86 men being housed at the Red Roof Inn. Sixty-six arrived on Sunday, May 21, including 40 who had been in Sullivan County, and an additional 20 individuals were transported there Monday, May 22, by New York City.
There are no individuals being housed at the Holiday Inn in Poughkeepsie, though the two hotels are under the same ownership.
"All of these individuals are the responsibility of New York City, this responsibility includes covering all related costs including lodging, meals, and wrap-around services such as security," O'Neil added.
According to the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, all of the individuals are legal asylum seekers that have been vetted, fingerprinted, and identified by the federal government, including background checks.
The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office have enhanced patrols in the area of the Red Roof Inn to ensure the safety of all within the community, O'Neil said.
And the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health continues to conduct inspections at the hotel for sanitary code enforcement.
"We must be realistic and recognize these individuals will be in the county for an indefinite period of time and may need to be assimilated into our community," O'Neil said. "In that event, Dutchess County wants to ensure that the process is as safe and effective as possible for all."
This remains a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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