Artists howl as developer moves to tear down Long Island City graffiti palace 5Pointz / Graffiti Mecca
Long Island City artists are demanding a local panel block a plan to tear down a world-renowned graffiti mecca to make way for a luxury housing project.
G & M Realty intends to demolish the internationally known 5Pointz and build two residential high-rises in Long Island City — but it needs a zoning change to do it.
“Anybody involved with 5Pointz feels it’s an asset to the arts community,” said Marie Flageul, a spokeswoman for the artist-run “aerosol art Center,” a former water meter factory that nourishes 1,000 artists per year.
“I hope New Yorkers wake up for once and take arms now instead of mourn later,” she said.
Community Board 2 will take up the controversial issue Wednesday, when David Wolkoff, president of the development company, is expected to present his plan for a 41- and 47-story tower. He will argue for a zoning variance on the grounds that the towers include amenities like an indoor rock climbing wall, simulated golf course and barbecue areas.
Related articles
- 5 Pointz will live in old Location / Good News (streetsaresayingthings.com)
- Local leaders and artists gear up for the loss of 5Pointz (nydailynews.com)
urgent notice to all those artists who have ever used 5ptz as their canvas, come out to support tomorrow, show force in numbers, voice your rights, dont allow others to silence our art.
lmao show your voice? you dont own the building champs- they do whatever they want with it. It was fun while it lasted- now go paint the rest of new york. You guys act like you never seen somebody demolish a building and its the only place left to paint.
The owners can do what they want with the property. This is a given. It’s just a shame to see an Historical place that has been around for many years, just get wiped out from NYC history. Sure, there are many places to paint. All over the world there are nothing but walls.
The sentiment is that 5 pointz is a place in NYC history, not just Graffiti History. A guaranteed place you could go and paint, and also to have the opportunity to just see what is displayed.
There is nothing wrong with voicing one’s feelings. It’s a given right, and no need to criticize. If you’re mad at the idea, go and let people know you’re mad. Nothing wrong with that.
Change is inevitable, but this doesn’t mean that it is always acceptable.
Hey! I think the things you post are really cool! Rather say Awesome! That’s why I just nominated you for the Liebster Award. Read more about it here! http://checkeredblue.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/i-got-nominated/