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ArtSpace tenants tell council landlord closed gallery and left residents with unaddressed habitability problems
Summary
Two ArtSpace residents told the Norwich council the building's gallery was closed and converted to storage, tenants faced theft and short evacuation notices, and maintenance and settlement promises remain unfulfilled.
Two residents of ArtSpace addressed the City Council during public comment on Jan. 21, saying building management closed the on-site gallery, removed exhibits with little notice and left tenants living in substandard conditions.
Jennifer Tyler, who identified herself as an ArtSpace resident, said the downtown live-work arts building was founded in 2001 and has long fostered an artist community. "ArtSpace is more than just my home. Its community has supported me, deeply influenced my artistic perspective, fostered my creativity, and given me a place to express myself," she said. Tyler said the current owners "have closed the gallery, and they are treating the tenants horribly." She said her apartment lacks working kitchen appliances, an intercom, hot water and functioning windows, and that a settlement she won after an illegal eviction claim more than two years ago has not been honored.
Susie Boda, also an ArtSpace resident, said the gallery was abruptly shuttered on Dec. 11 and that a stereo system was stolen that same day. She said management later issued a notice indicating the gallery would be used for storage and gave tenants three days to evacuate large items, including a baby-grand piano and sculptures. "I had 3 days to evacuate, which includes a baby grand piano, all of this artwork, sculptures," Boda said, and she said she was unable to reach management immediately after the theft and had to file a police report.
Nut graf: Tenants asked the council to intervene or to persuade building owners to restore the gallery and address building maintenance and habitability complaints; they said the building provides scarce mixed-income artist housing downtown and has cultural value.
Council response: A council member asked for contact information and staff indicated they would take the residents' information for follow up; no formal action was recorded during the meeting.
Ending: Residents said they have documentation of past settlements and continuing maintenance problems and asked the council to investigate or assist in mediation with building management.
