The development of a new Ramada Inn at 2249 Nostrand Avenue, between Avenues H and I, has sparked a wave of community concern amid circulating rumors that the hotel may be converted into a migrant shelter. These rumors, though largely discredited by officials, have created significant unrest among residents, triggering debate within the community. Despite denials from multiple official sources, anxieties have prompted a deeper investigation into the matter. In recent weeks, rumors have circulated about the new hotel under construction.
The property, located at 2251 Nostrand Avenue and connected to 2249 Nostrand Avenue, was sold in July 2020 for $6.15 million. The buyer, Ratanji Hotels, represented by Mahesh Ratanji, acquired the 28,000-square-foot development site with plans to establish a hotel. Ratanji Hotels is known for its involvement in several other New York City hotel projects, including the Days Inn by Wyndham in Long Island City and the Ramada by Wyndham Bronx Terminal.
Community board and officials responded to these rumors. Despite the escalating concerns, Brooklyn Community Board 14, where the hotel will be located, has confirmed that there are no current plans for a migrant shelter at the site. The board’s chairperson stated, “Brooklyn CB14 did not speak with the hotel and the developer, but we reached out to numerous agencies, and as of this moment, those agencies confirmed that there are no plans for a shelter at 2249 Nostrand Avenue.”
Local elected officials echoed these assurances. According to Daniel Heredia, Legislative and Communications Liaison from Councilwoman Farah Louis’ office, noted, “The rumor was spread by a community member affiliated with the Bensonhurst shelter. There are no credible plans that this is going to be a shelter. The Mayor’s office has confirmed that they are not entering into any agreements for a shelter on this site.”
A pattern of mistrust has become prevalent among the residents, and groups advocating against hotels being used for migrants, emphasizing the need to take care of citizens first, including our homeless and veterans. While these official statements have helped to alleviate some concerns, local community groups, such as New Yorkers First and the STOP FLOYD BENNETT FIELD ILLEGAL MIGRANTS Facebook group, continue to monitor the situation closely. Their skepticism is fueled by past instances in which city officials have seemingly downplayed or denied plans for shelters, only for those projects to materialize later.
Despite these reassurances, community members remain skeptical. Radio talk show host Curtis Sliwa, the outspoken leader of the Guardian Angels and a frequent critic of the city’s migrant policies, has voiced concerns about the potential for a shelter in the area. Sliwa, known for his controversial yet often accurate predictions, told the Canarsie Courier, “The mayor himself is on record saying that New Yorkers can expect a shelter in every neighborhood due to the influx of migrants to the five boroughs. The community needs to be proactive because, by the time the shelters are announced, it’s often too late to resist.”
Sliwa highlighted a pattern of what he describes as “bait and switch” tactics by the city, where properties are initially proposed for different uses—such as housing for veterans or seniors—only to be converted into migrant shelters later. He pointed to similar situations in other parts of the city, such as the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan and various boutique hotels in Long Island City, which were ultimately converted into shelters despite initial assurances to the contrary.
Many folks have gone further to find the nexus to all these hotels popping up across the city, in efforts to uncover the developer’s role here. The involvement of Ratanji Hotels and its owner has also drawn scrutiny. Ratanji Hotels is linked to several other hotel developments across the city, some of which have been the subject of speculation regarding potential shelter use. While there is no direct evidence linking Ratanji Hotels to any shelter agreements at the Nostrand Avenue site, the company’s broader portfolio and the frequent use of hotels for migrant housing have fueled suspicions.
Sliwa further speculated that absentee landlords and property developers, who do not live in the communities where their properties are located, might be incentivized to accept city contracts for shelters. He warned, “The city will double their dollars, give them a lease for a year with a potential renewal—guaranteed money, whether every room is filled or not.”
As the situation develops, the community remains on edge, caught between official denials and the fear of a shelter being established without adequate notice or consultation. While no plans for a migrant shelter at the new Ramada Inn have been confirmed, the persistence of these rumors reflects broader anxieties about the city’s handling of the ongoing migrant crisis and the transparency of its plans.
Residents are urged to stay informed and involved, as local officials continue to monitor the situation. Community Board 14 has pledged to listen to concerns as they arise and to keep the public updated on any developments.
What is the hotel at Coney Island Avenue and Ditmas being used for? The hotel sign is covered up and it looks like the national guard has a seat at the front desk.