Diner Journal

We need some help.  You may or may not know that in 2010 a new Loft Law was passed the purpose of which is to legalise the many illegal live/work lofts scattered throughout the 5 boroughs.  This law is a great thing for New York’s creative community  –  giving a multitude of artists, writers, musicians, dancers etc legal rent controlled stability in their lofts.  However there are a few problems with the law and we are attempting to remedy these problems.  To do this we need a Loft Law Clean Up Bill to be introduced (and passed!) in both NY Senate and NY Assembly.  The man to do this is Vito Lopez  –  the guy who introduced the original bill.  He is willing to do this but only if we can demonstrate a high degree of ‘on the ground’ support for loft tenants.  He has convened a panel discussion on Tuesday 24th April (next week) and we need to pack the room to show that there is indeed a ground swell of support for his Loft Law initiative.

Most of the people receiving this email are not loft tenants  – that’s why I’m calling it a shout out for help.  We need to show support from the larger community: gallerists who exhibit loft tenants work, business owners that have loft tenants as their customers, people that are employed by loft tenants and people that employ loft tenants etc.  As I say on Tuesday 24th April we need to pack the room with supportive people to show the politicians that the loft dwelling community affects a wide cross-section of their constituents and safe-guarding the rights of live/work loft tenants has far reaching advantages for everyone.

Please can you come to the panel discussion on Tuesday 24th April  –  here are the details:

• THE STATE OF THE LOFT LAW
  Tuesday, April 24, 2012 7:00 PM
  Our Lady of Pompeii – Community Room
  225 Seigel Street (between Bushwick Ave + White St.)
  Bushwick, Brooklyn

It will likely last about 2 hours  –  but there is no need to feel that you have to stay for the whole thing  –  just pitching up for 45 minutes would be super helpful.  On the positive side it will be a window into the machinations of New York politics and that could be either interesting or deplorable depending on your view point.

• The current law introduces massive rent increases (commonly called 6%-8%-6%).  Most loft tenants are not able to afford these increases and would be forced out of their lofts.
• The current law does not cover lofts smaller than 550 sqft.
• The current law disqualifies buildings from coverage under the loft law for what is deemed ‘incompatible use’ – eg. if there is a photo processing lab in the same building the law considers the building unsuitable for residential use.  One only has to think of the multitude of high street shops that use some kind of chemical process (dry cleaners and paint stores for instance) and have apartments above them, to realise how ludicrous this is.

There are other issues  –  but these are the main ones.