The Salvation Army has been illegally renting rooms, hotel-style, at its Williams Memorial Residence on the Upper West Side, city officials said.
The scrutiny marks the latest skirmish in the battle that has unfolded since the faith-based organization unveiled its plan to sell the residence to a private developer.
The Department of Buildings issued the violation Wednesday, after Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer called on City Hall to investigate.
Brewer and Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal (D-Upper West Side), among others, took an interest in the senior residence last month, after the Salvation Army announced it would sell the West End Ave. building for more than $100 million, and use the money to open a new residence above a community center in East Harlem.
The organization said it could not afford to maintain the 89-year-old building and promised residents a spot in the new place, at the same rent they currently pay.
The residents, however, quickly griped about making the move, and officials rallied behind them.
The Salvation Army faces a small fine for the violation.
