Portion of Garden City Hotel Staff Laid Off

Less than 10 percent of the Garden City Hotel staff will be laid off at the end of the week as a result of an ownership change.

Hotel executive vice president and managing director Patrick S. Smalley emailed employees earlier this week that the entire staff would be laid off, "but some workers will be re-employed," according to Newsday [paid link].

The Garden City Hotel confirmed with Patch Friday that "During this period of transition the hotel has retained over 90 percent of the many valued employees."

A prepared statement further noted that in the forth-coming weeks, the hotel "looks forward to expanding many part-time positions into full-time positions."

The new owners are also moving forward with design plans "to further embellish the hotel’s services, features, aesthetics and systems." Though plans are still in the early stages, soft renovations are intended to enhance the existing structure while the hotel remains open to the public.

J. Grady Colin, named general manager of the hotel, said, “We value the historic significance of The Garden City Hotel as the epicenter of the community. We are extremely enthusiastic about continuing the tradition of excellence that has become synonymous with this landmark property as we strive to deepen and enrich our commitment to the community.”

In June it was reported that after more than three decades of owning the hotel, the Nelkin Family was selling it to Manhattan real-estate developer Morris Moinian of Fortuna Realty Group. Smalley said the layoffs were necessary during the transition of ownership.

"It requires the termination of all employees before new ownership can extend offers of employment to them," he told Newsday. "It is a difficult process to navigate, and we have taken every precaution to carry it out in the most dignified way for every employee."

As of June, the hotel had approximately 300 employees, which leaves less than 30 without a job after the ownership change.