Bloomberg, NYC Taking Action Against 15 Illegal Hotels

NEW YORK (AP) - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is announcing the results of a crackdown on illegal hotels.

Bloomberg said Sunday that the city has taken action against 15 illegally converted hotels since May 1, when a new state law targeting illegal hotels went into effect. He said vacate orders were issued at eight of the locations.

City inspectors found one three-family house in Brooklyn occupied by 44 guests. They said the building had no sprinkler or fire alarm system.

Bloomberg said owners of illegal hotels put profits above safety. He promised that city officials will continue to do all they can to enforce the laws against them.

New York State Sen. Liz Krueger said the crackdown on illegal hotels will significantly improve the security and quality of life of New Yorkers.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)