A graffiti message facing a new, luxury apartment building on the Gowanus Canal in Gowanus has some people buzzing about the changing community.

On a wall facing the apartments at 356 Bond St. is the graffiti that reads "Welcome to Venice Jerko."

Some residents say the graffiti could be commentary on gentrification in the area. Another tenant says the graffiti is painting an analogy of the polluted Gowanus with the Italian city of Venice.

Despite some speculation that the graffiti was strategically placed across from luxury apartments to taunt new tenants, people who live there say they have had nothing but positive experiences with the community.