Pakistan-owned Roosevelt Hotel took in $146 MILLION to house migrants in NYC—but they owe $13 million in taxes

Pakistan’s state-owned property in the Big Apple is overdue by $13.6 million on property taxes as well as $1 million in unpaid water bills, according to the New York Post. Additionally, a deal with the federal government to redevelop the landmark property could allow for the Pakistan-controlled hotel to avoid all future taxes, which would cost New York millions in tax revenue each year.

In September 2023, when the hotel at 45 East 45th St. signed a contract to pay out the fees when the hotel already owed $11.6 million. However, despite getting millions in taxpayer subsidies to house migrants, the hotel skipped a payment of $573,361 in January and a $3.9 million payment supposed to be made halfway through the year.

“This property is currently in default on its payment plan,” a NYC Department of Finance (DOF) spokesman said. The annual property tax bill for the hotel will hit $7.7 million in July.

The Roosevelt Hotel, which has been housing migrants, both illegally and legally in the US, became crime-ridden and was a hub for members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Gang members had used the hotel in order to recruit robbery crews, according to authorities.

As this has come about, a potential joint-venture between the US government and Pakistan could see the demolition of the Roosevelt Hotel to build an office tower. In that case, the property would be exempt from property taxes.

A DOF spokesman said that even if this were to take place, “Any charges that accrued prior to government ownership must still be paid."