A hotel that was turned into a shelter near a playground in Chinatown is still housing violent sex offenders, even after the Post raised concerns ten months ago. In Manhattan, another facility is reported to be doing the same.
Some of the offenders highlighted in a July 5 article, including a Level 3 offender, continue to live in the old Hotel MB building at 61 Christie Street. Recently, another individual was transferred back to prison and is now on parole.
Parents in a different neighborhood are expressing similar worries as six sex offenders are currently staying at a shelter located at 197 Bowery, close to the Rivington Street Playground.
“We’re, um, losing touch with what’s really important,” said a 40-year-old mom living nearby with her daughter. “It’s like placing raw meat in front of a shark.”
“When I see a child alone in the park, I warn them to leave because if something happens and I’m aware of it but do nothing, I’d never forgive myself,” shared a woman named EJ.
The report found at least five Level 2 offenders registered at the Bowery shelter. Among them are Marco Cepeda, who assaulted an 11-year-old boy, and Devereaux Davis, who committed aggravated sexual abuse against a 12-year-old girl.
Other offenders include Edwin Irizarry, convicted of first-degree rape, and William Porter, who attempted first-degree rape. There’s also Oretis Argyris, known for providing obscene material to a minor. Another former resident, Larry Paulis, a Level 3 offender, had lived there until recently.
A spokesperson from Breaking Ground, which manages the Bowery location, redirected inquiries to the city’s Department of Homeless Services or the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit. They pointed out that while the state’s sex offender laws don’t enforce residency restrictions, such limitations are outlined in other laws for parolees and probationers.
The Department of Homeless Services stated that it does not place registered sex offenders within 300 feet of schools or childcare facilities. They mentioned that housing decisions involve input from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
In a statement, the Department of Social Services asserted their compliance with legal requirements regarding shelter provisions. They noted, “DSS provides shelter according to New York City’s Right to Refuge Law while adhering to local regulations.”
However, parents in the community are concerned about a man frequently appearing in the park.
“I’m in shock,” exclaimed a 29-year-old local who took her two-year-old to the Rivington playground. “Now, we have to reconsider where we let our kids play; it’s just not fair.”
Another parent resonated with this sentiment, expressing anger and worry. “It doesn’t matter if you live here or commute; it’s hard to feel safe. Who decides that this area is suitable for them?”
Residents in Chinatown relate to these feelings. A past report revealed at least five sex offenders lived in the Christie Street shelter, including a Level 3 offender linked to the repeated rape of a seven-year-old girl in 2010. Two others remain in the area from that report.
Both shelters are situated near playgrounds at opposite ends of Sarah D. Roosevelt Park.
“This is really disheartening,” remarked Kathryn Freed from Community Board 3. “The local communities feel their needs are being overlooked, with the park becoming a place for individuals with issues.”
“As the weather warms up, these worries intensify with kids playing outdoors,” Freed added.
