You Can Help Save A Cultural Landmark: Part Two

at
Share This Post

FIVE POINTZ 024

 

As previously reported, The 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, an outdoor art exhibit space in Long Island City, New York is in danger of being torn down. With spectacular pieces of art from aerosol artists from around the world, 5 Pointz is one of, if not the only, place left in New York City for such artists to openly develop, harness and present their craft and their passion.

David Wolkoff, whose family owns the space, announced last year plans to tear down 5 Pointz and replace it with two high rise condos. 5 Pointz was scheduled for demolition this fall, but those plans were put on hold, primarily so that studies could be conducted to see what impact the new buildings would have on the exisiting neighborhood. An environmental review conducted by New York City has been released.  You can view it here.

Since these proposals go beyond what was originally approved, the Wolkoff family will need to have go through The Uniform Land Use Procedure to have the space re-zoned. This process requires significant input from the public. Also, Wolkoff may have to designate 20% of the residential space for low-middle income housing. Even if the zoning change isn’t approved, The Wolkoffs can still go back to their plan of building a single tower and begin construction this fall.

Unless, of course, we do something about it.

A community board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd at MoMa PS1 (22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City) at 7pm. Supporters of 5 Pointz will use the meeting as a backdrop for a rally in front of PS1. They plan on presenting petitions, letters of support, and most importantly, the art that they feel has defined this Queens neighborhood.

The campaign to have 5 Pointz designated as a New York City landmark is also still ongoing. The goal is to present over half a million requests to The Landmark Preservation Commission for consideration.

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/forms/request_for_evaluation.pdf and print out the form completely and RESPECTFULLY (The address of 5 Pointz is 45-46 Davis St, Long Island City, NY 11101. Send in the form to the address provided on said form.
  2. Go to the Community Meeting at MoMa PS1 at 7pm on Wednesday May 22nd and show support.   (22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City)
  3. If you’re in the NYC area or planning to visit, visit 5 Pointz and check out the always evolving art that light up the area. It’s open on weekends from noon to 7pm. This summer they are celebrating 40 years of hip hop with guest DJs (including sets by pioneers Kool Herc and Marley Marl), old school b-boy battles and much more. 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!


Read Part One of Our Series on Saving Five Pointz Here:

https://theinterrobang.com/2013/05/help-save-a-cultural-landmark-from-being-torn-down/

 

027

026

The Editor
The Editor