Some 475 Kent Tenants Allowed Back In

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.

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I am sadden by the city. they are making exceptions for artist yet, i'm sure they wouldn't make these exceptions to the rest of us. i say kick their asses out and make a example of the landlord and their tenants for flaunting the law.

Posted by: armchairwarrior at May 6, 2008 9:14 AM

You are saddenED because the city isn't beating up on some people?

Nice.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 9:24 AM

#1 didn't mean "kick their asses out" in the LITERAL interpretation.

Even better.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 9:28 AM

good luck to these folks, although all knew that the day may (did) come where a lack of a C of O could potentially put them on the street.

Posted by: Fjorder at May 6, 2008 9:28 AM

the city should treat all people the same regardless of class, race, or artistic employment. they shouldn't favor one group over the others.

if it was a poor minority group they would be out of the building without even media coverage.

Posted by: armchairwarrior at May 6, 2008 9:38 AM

I am sure the artistic community would gladly accept an equal share subsidy as long as what is given to developers (ie. Ratner) and Wall Street is a part of the pie being divided.

Without Art (and the folks who make it), this place would be just like Houston. Just a bunch of jerks making money, eating bbq, and riding around in their Ford Expeditions. Yeehah!

No thanks.

As long as it is safe, make an exception and let them stay.

Posted by: kuroko at May 6, 2008 9:51 AM

9.38 - those groups you are talking about get subsidized housing from the city - is that what you mean about treating everyone the same? i.e. except when it suits you?

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 10:09 AM

9.51 - unfortunately, being an artist is certainly no guarantee against one being a jerk.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 10:11 AM

There are many buildings in the city that do not have a C of O.
If those buildings tried to get one they would fail to get one and probably have enough violations to also be evicted.
my point is the C of O is not that big a deal anymore.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 10:12 AM

How is it you know so much about Houston, "Kuroko?"

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 10:29 AM

Does this mean we no longer have to hear about this unbelievably boring story thread? If so, THANK GOD.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 10:37 AM

yes 10:37.
We can get back to talking about J walking.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 10:49 AM

Armchair,
Did you get a permit for that dumpster?

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 10:55 AM

i loathe these jerks that were living there illegally. horrible horrible people.

feel very bad for the real commercial renters though.

please please stfu - you are not special. you do NOT deserve sh*t.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 2:23 PM

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May 6, 2008

Some 475 Kent Tenants Allowed Back In

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