This morning the Times reports that about 100 tenants of 475 Kent Avenue have been allowed to return to their loft spaces, despite the fact that the building still doesn’t have a C of O for residential use. Although some of the the property’s renters are back, a number are worried about what the future’s going to hold for their live-work situations. There are concerns about not only the lack of a residential C of O but also fear that 475 Kent’s landlord will raise rents or try to sell the building. Residents are critical of what the city is (or isn’t) doing to protect affordable spaces for artists. The next battles are much more difficult, says Eve Sussman, a 475 Kent tenant and videographer. New York State and the city government need to be getting behind creative practitioners so that our foundation isn’t eroded by big developers.
After Repairs to Building, Artists Return to Their Lofts [NY Times]
475 Kent Vacate Order Lifted [Brownstoner]
Photo by aldella.