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Example of graffiti art at 5Pointz. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.

NYC Council approves demolition of 5Pointz graffiti mecca

Catherine Saunders-Watson
Catherine Saunders-Watson

Example of graffiti art at 5Pointz. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.
Example of graffiti art at 5Pointz. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.
NEW YORK (AP) – The New York City Council has unanimously approved a plan to demolish a graffiti-art mecca in Queens to make room for two apartment towers.

The decision was a blow to graffiti artists who have used the exterior of the warehouses as an exhibition space for years.

The council on Wednesday said 5Pointz in Long Island City could be razed as early as the end of the year.

It said it couldn’t save the site because it is privately owned.

The Walkoff family, which owns the buildings, last week put aside additional space for affordable housing and artists’ studios in an effort to win approval for the $400 million project.

It says artists will be allowed to paint several walls.

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ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

Example of graffiti art at 5Pointz. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.
Example of graffiti art at 5Pointz. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.