Dorchester artists could be about to lose home in old factory

They're renters, not owners. Nothing is "lost," their landlord is simply choosing not to renew their lease which is 100% legal and happens all the time.

Sadly the rate at which affordable studio space is disappearing is increasing with staggering speed, displacing artists, artisans, designers and other non research and development or corporate tenants. This happened to me and my fellow tenants in 2016 when the old mill building I leased for 32 years in Union Sq. , Somerville was sold to developers. It's the same old story: artists and other creative folk move into a formerly industrial area (think SoHo, Tribeca, Williamsburg, SoWA, Somerville, Malden, Hyde Park) establish a great community inspiring restaurant openings, small owner operated shops and a safe, thriving, vibrant community. It becomes the cool, hip(ster) place to be and live. Demand increases, property values increase, rents increase.......you know the rest. Then the developers start circling, do their research and begin making offers to property owners. And of course a new T station is the kiss of death to this type of neighborhood, no matter how convenient and environmentally sound public transit is; ultimately (and ironically) displacing so many lower income inhabitants who NEED better public tranportation in their neighborhood.

When my antique restoration studio of 32 years in Union Sq. fell victim to this gentrification I went to visit my old loft-mate Gneal Widett at Humphrey St to see if he had any available space for me. I would have loved to move into an available space there but the timing was wrong. I empathize with all the folks who have made Humphry St Studios their home for decades. A city without LOCAL artists and artisans working and living in the community is a desolate place. This is truly a tragedy. Look out Roxbury, Hyde Park, Everett....you're in their sights. Chelsea is already under attack.