New York City cancels $220m deal with PIA's Roosevelt Hotel 

New York (Web Desk): New York City has decided to terminate its $220 million lease agreement with the Pakistan International Air Lines (PIA)-owned Roosevelt Hotel, which had been repurposed as a shelter for migrants.

The historic hotel, which closed in 2020 due to pandemic-related financial losses, was later reactivated in 2022 as part of the city’s response to housing asylum seekers.

With 1,025 rooms, it provided temporary accommodation for tens of thousands of migrants, costing approximately $200 per night for each individual.

The decision to end the agreement comes amid a significant decrease in the number of migrant arrivals, with weekly numbers dropping from 4,000 to roughly 350.

The closure reflects the city’s belief that its handling of the migrant crisis is showing positive results, as fewer people are entering the city in need of shelter.

This move follows mounting pressure from various groups, including conservatives and federal officials, who expressed concerns over the extensive use of public funds for housing migrants.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that shutting down the facility will lead to significant savings for taxpayers.

The Roosevelt Hotel, which has been an iconic part of New York City since its opening in 1924, played a key role in the city’s efforts to manage the influx of migrants.

The closure signals a new phase in the city’s approach to this ongoing issue, as officials will now need to explore other solutions to provide shelter for those still in need.