The last time we checked in on 21-16 44th Drive, the building was under asbestos abatement.1 Since then, workers have completed the abatement, and completely demolished the building that stood on the lot, as you can see from the photo above.
Still, nearby residents continue to be concerned by the building based on the track record of the developer.234
This is an excerpt from The Ridgewood Times recapping Community Board 2’s meeting in November, 2013:5
Residents said they were concerned that a developer who controlled one shelter dubbed the “Hell Hotel” may be coming to 21-16 44th Dr. in Long Island City. […] Alan Lapes, whose name appears on several work permits issued to the site on Oct. 25, has a history of operating nonprofit shelters, which provide the homeless with rooms that are subsidized by the city.
No finalized details about the use of the building have emerged yet.
Pingback: Friday Links | Brownstoner Queens