We’ve heard from multiple sources that today is Director of Operations Glennon Travis’s last day at the Chelsea Hotel. (And if it’s not today, then it’s reportedly coming up soon.) Our only question is, what took so long? In his brief tenure here at the hotel, Glennon has managed to alienate nearly everyone he has come into contact with: residents sane and otherwise, guests, employees, union reps, reporters, you name it. His habitually obnoxious and abusive rejoinders to anything from mere pleasantries to valid questions by concerned residents, have led us to speculate on this blog that BD Hotels may be using him as a kind of one-man harassment crew to drive out the rent-stabilized tenants and union employees. In that respect we can see how he might be a useful employee, and if that was BDs intent, I’m sure they’ll keep him on the payroll at one of their other properties.
Glennon himself, however, doesn’t seem to be fully cognizant of this adverse effect he has on people (or perhaps he just can’t help himself), and in that sense he is truly pitiful. Our advice to him is to seek counseling, and for God’s sake to find a job where he doesn’t have to interact with people on a routine basis.
How will this gaping void be filled? (Okay, two questions.) And is this just the beginning of the end for BD? (Three questions!) As annoying as he is, let’s not forget that Glennon is merely the sacrificial lamb. BD bigwigs Born and Drukier (and of course General Manager David Bernstein—who you damn sure don’t see around here much) have been setting Glennon up as the fall guy all along, because once they saw the public outcry and media firestorm that resulted from their slimy takeover of the iconic Chelsea, they knew that nothing good was likely to come of the deal.
But rest assured, no one is fooled, least of all board member Marlene Krauss. BD has screwed this place up from the perspective of residents and shareholders alike, and we expect further heads to roll.
As for Glennon, if you’re in the lobby tomorrow (or his reportedly soon-to-come last day) and see him heading out the door with a cardboard box, be sure to snap a picture. We’d love to put it up on the blog. — Ed Hamilton
Living with Legends 
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