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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