[Photo of Dina Leor from February by James Maher]
For the past three years, Dina Leor, the owner of La Sirena, the Mexican folk art shop on East Third Street, has been locked in challenging negotiations with her landlord, the Cooper Square Mutual Housing Association.
When the situation looked particularly dire about two months ago, she contacted Councilmember Rosie Mendez, who ultimately helped to mediate a new 5-year lease between the two sides.
What made her decide to fight for this space instead of moving somewhere else?
"I have been here almost 16 years and it was timing. I decided I wanted a balanced life, with time for the ongoing joy of La Sirena, my evolving assemblage of Mexican folk artists, living shrine and many other great things, family, friends — the simple adventures open time in a day can offer," Leor told us.
As for the lease negotiations, she said that she didn't understand what the landlord wanted.
"In the long negotiations the bottom line kept changing. Each person gave me a different answer," she said. "I could not agree on terms that I did not understand."
After receiving a court notice for eviction proceedings, she contacted Mendez's office. (Mendez has shopped at La Sirena.)
"Wish I had thought of her when all of this started almost three years ago, but I guess for whatever reason it happened this way," Leor said. "I didn't want to be taken to court. I have paid my rent on time every month since November 1998. Rosie Mendez mediated for me and I am so grateful to know that our Councilwoman helped save La Sirena."
And what's next for Leor and the shop at 27 E. Third St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery?
"Now I can move forward with what I love — representing, selling beautiful folk art crafted by amazing artists from many regions of Mexico," she said. "[The new lease] feels great. Monday is the start of Mexican Independence Day and La Sirena is celebrating a new chapter of independence."
Previously on EV Grieve:
Out and About in the East Village with Dina Leor
Amazing how Cooper Square has become as predatory, greedy and bloodsucking as any other big-time developer in the city. I recall when they were much smaller, and their stated goal was the preservation of low-income housing for the neighborhood. Now they're just rich hypocritical sellouts like so many others.
ReplyDeleteGreat shop. Good for Mendez.
ReplyDeleteWonderful news. Hurray for Councilmember Rosie Mendez for her advocacy for a local business. La Sirena is my favorite shop in the EV. If you've never been, do yourself a favor. It showcases cultural richness from Mexico and is among the last of the authentic places in the hood.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty weird that Cooper Square would be so difficult. And if Rosie can do this for one tenant, let's hope she does it for many more! Maybe her office is starting to get its act together. They've been loosey-goosey lately.
ReplyDeleteRosie Mendez and her office staff have helped me and fellow tenants many times. Once you get her attention you will have an advocate for life. They have helped save a lot of tenants from predatory landlords, it just never makes it into the papers since the media seems to favor the landlords over the tenants the majority of the time in all but the most egregious of abuse cases.
ReplyDeleteGojira @ 10.23 I guess it depends on the definition of "Predatory landlord". I'd like to hear yours.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutamente maravilloso para todo el mundo!
ReplyDelete.....and Rosie, thank-you.
HOWEVER....
please, please, please.....
MORE !!!
About 3 years ago workers in my building shut off the gas without the assist of Con Ed. Con Ed locked the lines and 12 apartments went 138 days without being able to cook. We contacted Councilmember Rosie Mendez at her office and she did nothing!
ReplyDelete@Anon. 4:44, yes, I mean CSMH. The Committee is still fighting to be on the side of the angels.
ReplyDeletehow do you separate Mutual Housing from Cooper Square? It's like separating mother from child.
ReplyDeleteAgain Rosie, being the new neighborhood power house GET THE FOOD TRUCK OFF EAST 11th ST! Give the residents back their street.
ReplyDeleteTo bad she wasn't around when cooper got those stupid "whole foods buildings" done. Yup that was them
ReplyDeleteFUCK Cooper Square. Thanks for your help, Rosie Mendez, and Cooper Square, thank you for doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteGracias EV Grieve for this wonderful posting and all the service you do for the community ! Thanks all for the support !
ReplyDeleteForever grateful that, Rosie Mendez helped La Sirena not get taken to court and get clarity on what CSMHA wanted so we could move on. This is what I went to her for. Still a large rent hike and other fees I had to pay.
Happy that it worked out.When life gives you lemons, you chose.
Come by and visit a piece of Mexico en NYC!
Wishing all a blessed day !
Going on...
ReplyDeleteI am also grateful to CSMHA even with all their mishugas and increases.Lots of lessons(which I do not wish on anyone)and still La Sirena has a home within their home.
Blessed !