MASSENA, New York (WWNY) – A Massena hotel is closing its doors on Saturday.
The manager of the Saint Lawrence Hotel on West Orvis Street confirmed for 7 News that Friday night is the last night for guests to stay there.
He declined further comment.
7 News reached out to the owner, Gary Melius. He had no comment.
Melius also owns Oheka Castle, a well-known hotel and wedding reception venue on Long Island.
According to published reports, Melius filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last August to stop a foreclosure sale on Oheka Castle.
The hotel in Massena, which used to be a Quality Inn, was in the news in 2023 when Melius wanted to house migrants in the hotel.
According to a New York Post Article, Melius sent a letter to then-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, calling the Quality Inn an ideal place to send migrants.
The article said hotel owners who provide space for migrants are paid with taxpayer funds at an agreed-upon rate.
“The hotel is in the center of town. You don’t need any transit once you get here. This would be very good for me, it would be very good for the city and very good for the migrants. It’s a win-win,” he told the Post.
However, Massena officials didn’t see it as a win, saying the village didn’t have the resources to help migrants.
At the time, Melius hadn’t paid his property taxes on the hotel for three years.
He later forked over the $364,000 he owed.
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