A couple of days ago we informed you that prominent Bushwick-based artist Jules de Balincourt announced on his Facebook that he is attempting to form an “organization bringing [B]ushwick artist[s] together to form a collective of sorts in which artist buy buildings together in order to prevent what happened in Williamsburg….the tearing down of old buildings to be replaced by Miami look alike condos for suit and tie types who have nothing invested in the local creative community.”
A noble effort that will hopefully soon be followed by positive results for the housing of existing Bushwick community quickly sprang into action. Jules has invited anyone interested to join him tonight at his Starr Space (108-10 Starr St, Bushwick) from 7-9PM to “discuss strategies to keep our stake in Bushwick. If you’re an artist and you want to stay in New York, come join us.”
Unfortunately, Jules’ meeting coincides with Bushwick’s Community Board 4 meeting at 6PM at 195 Linden St, which will also address some important questions before its summer adjournment. CB 4 will discuss rezoning of a yard and other adjacent parcels to build a 900-unit residential complex, which requires a change in the zoning from M1 to R6.
So we guess that if you’re feeling your civic duties today, you will try to make it to the both meetings. Maybe in the future Jules’ initiative and Community Board 4 can join forces in this battle for a cause that is vital to both communities of artists and long-term residents.