5 pointz

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer is against any attempt to save the 5Pointz building in Long Island City. The former factory, long a mecca for graffiti artists, is now slated for demolition. The owner, Jerry Wolkoff, plans to build two towers on the site, one 46 stories, another 41 stories. Advocates have pushed for the city to buy the building to rescue it from demolition. However, as Van Bramer, who represents Long Island City and the surrounding communities, told the Long Island City Post, “first of all, you need a willing seller and the Wolkoff family is not interested in selling. It would probably cost tens of millions—if not hundreds of millions—to buy it and renovate it… which would be a foolish expenditure of city funds.” The developer is hoping to build 1,000 units, 370 more than are allowed as of right. Community Board 2 unanimously rejected the initial plan. Since then the developer has added 54 units of affordable housing and increased the studio space that he plans to include in the new buildings from 2,000 square feet to 12,000. Van Bramer’s position on the development is important as he is likely to have sway with other city council members who ultimately must approve the project.

Van Bramer Dismissed Plans to Save 5Pointz [LIC Post]
5Pointz Developer Commits to 54 Affordable Units, Artist Space [Brownstoner Queens]
Community Board 2 Votes Against 5Pointz Development Plan [Brownstoner Queens]

Photo: Harlan Harris


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