Carnegie Hall Wants to Evict Its Duchess
Monday December 29, 2008
Since 1947, Editta Sherman has lived in a "palatial" rent-controlled apartment above New York's storied Carnegie Hall, for which she pays only $650 a month, according to CNN. Ms. Sherman, who is almost 97, has gained fame as a portrait photographer, having captured the likeness of such greats as Paul Newman, Eva Gabor, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and countless others at her home studio.
But Carnegie Hall is now trying to evict the self-proclaimed "Duchess of Carnegie," as part of a $150 million expansion plan that would provide more classroom space for 115,000 music and art students. The Hall reportedly has offered to pay its rent-control tenants' relocation expenses and move them to "equivalent or better" apartments in the neighborhood, plus pay any difference in rent for the rest of the tenants' lives.Carnegie Hall's terms, however, are far from acceptable to Ms. Sherman. Calling herself a part of history, the Duchess said she'll leave for $10 million.
Comments
Editta Sherman was recruited to move into her apartment building 62 years ago from a solicitation ad in the New York Times before the owners or she ever knew what was to eventually become of the value of that real estate she was to occupy. I am sure Editta committed to her lease based on belief of the continuum of being able to afford the rent and work where she moved.
The laws in Real Estate have changed drastically from 1947 to more clearly inform tenants and landlords of their contractual agreement. There are such things in real estate as grandfather clauses and zoning restraints. Examples of the benefits of that would be “Long Island” that affords one with just a quick ride from Manhattan on the Long Island Rail Road the sweet pleasure of Long Island’s internationally well known Wine Vineyards, Equestrian Sports and Agriculture not to mention the spectacular Beaches that remain due to those wanting to preserve the experience for future generations.
Progress is important but preservation is key to availing the continue contribution of generations to afford to work, live and enjoy the community they have helped build.
Don’t you think Mrs. Sherman deserves the right to enjoy in the fruits of her labor in the community she helped build?
You raise some interesting and excellent points.
We’ll see how this plays out.