Help Save A Cultural Landmark: 5 Pointz Update
What is 5 Pointz
The 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, is an amazing and unique outdoor art space in Long Island City, New York. It’s a place to see real, living, breathing, street art, from many different artists, all in once place. It’s an ever-changing three dimensional canvas. A true urban art park that came into being organically, and would be impossible to recreate. You can go to 5 Pointz and see the art, as well as watch artists working, creating new art.
And it is in danger of being torn down. Get up to speed with what’s happening at 5 Pointz, and see some amazing photographs in our series of stories: Help Save A Cultural Landmark Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
June 6, 2013 Community Board Meeting
On Thursday, June 6th, artists and supporters of 5 Pointz scored a small, but significant victory as Community Board 2 voted against the owner’s special permit application to develop the graffiti mecca into two high-rise apartment buildings. CB2 called the plan too excessive and says the plan “fails to address the impact on the community.” CB2 also recommended that building owner David Wolcoff include sufficient affordable housing and a partnership with local arts groups in his plan. As was the case last month, 5 Pointz artists and supporters were in full number inside and out of the Sunnyside Community Services building for the meeting. Emotions ran deep and ranged from anger, resignation and, from at least one supporter, tears.
The Community Board rejection of the plan does not, in any way, spare 5 Pointz from the wrecking ball. CB2’s vote is only advisory.w Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, The City Planning Commission and the City Council have final say on the plan. Even if this measure is rejected, The Wolcoff family can still raze 5 Pointz and build a single tower residential building that can hold up to 600 apartments with no public amneties.
Commentary on Future of 5 Pointz
CB 2 co-chair Stephen Cooper noted that the only way to save 5 Pointz would be to “get it either landmarked or have it historically designated or have the art commission designate it. You’re going to have to go way beyond this room to do that, and I encourage you, if that’s what you want.”
Please Get Involved and Help!!
1. FILL OUT THIS FORM. All you have to do is fill out a form. It’s easy! You can help the arts by filling out a simple form.
- Click This Link!
- Fill Out the Form! (The address of 5 Pointz is 45-46 Davis St, Long Island City, NY 11101)
- Mail it to the Address on the Form!
2. IF YOU ARE A NYC RESIDENT. Contact Queens Borough President Helen Marshall to voice your support for 5 Pointz. Her contact info can be found here: www.queensbp.org. Also contact your City Council person urging them to vote ‘NO’ to any plan that includes the destruction of 5 Pointz.
3. VISIT 5 POINTZ. If you’re in the NYC area or planning to visit, visit 5 Pointz and check out the always evolving art. It’s open on weekends from noon to 7pm. You can go to www.5ptz.com for directions and additional info. These photos don’t do the place justice – you have to be there to experience it.
SAVE 5 POINTZ!
