Artist makes unique statement out of closed Williamsburg bar
A Brooklyn artist is making a unique statement on displacement and how it impacts the community after a Williamsburg bar had to shut down after 10 years of being in business. The former owner of "Nita
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Dec 9, 2015, 6:47 PM
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Updated 3,503 days ago
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A Brooklyn artist is making a unique statement on displacement and how it impacts the community after a Williamsburg bar had to shut down after 10 years of being in business.
The former owner of "Nita Nita," Samantha Distefano, says she supports the artist who wrapped bright yellow caution tape with the words "Gentrification in Progress" around the bar.
Distefano says when she closed her business Friday night and came back Saturday afternoon she discovered the yellow tape. Some residents say they appreciate the artist taking a stand.
Distefano says the landlord more than tripled her rent and that the business just could not absorb that increase.
The real estate company that manages the building tells News 12 Brooklyn that the restaurant's owner was a valuable tenant who made the decision not to pay market rent.
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