The City Condemns Bell Foundry Building
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- The Artists' Colony and Performance Space had been the subject of numerous complaints over the years and Oakland City officials are facing scrutiny over whether they should have taken action before the blaze.
Many believe similar concerns led Baltimore City to condemn a building that housed artists in the Station North neighborhood.
The City denies the evictions have anything to do with Oakland, saying they have everything to do with safety, but those being kicked out don't believe that.
The artists who called the Bell Foundry home had just a few hours to get everything out.
It was a beehive of activity on Calvert Street. Just one day after Baltimore City housing and fire officials condemned the building, saying there were electrical and structural problems and people illegally living in the performance and art space.
"I think this is prime real estate. So what better to do than say you're violating code so we're going to kick you out," said Jenne Matthews.
Baltimore officials say they received a complaint Monday afternoon and a surprise inspection revealed numerous violations.
They deny the 36 deaths just days earlier at a similar artists' space in Oakland, California lead to the Bell Foundry's condemnation but declined an interview to answer any of WJZ's questions.
"I think this is not the right response to whatever they are trying to do in this community. I think it is absolutely a disgrace," said one woman.
WJZ found three complaints dating to 2008, but nothing more current on the City housing website. The Bell Foundry was known in recent years as a performance space and a refuge for artists.
"Artists aren't living here by choice. They're living here because we have to. We can't afford our student loans. We can;t afford to live in an apartment and have an artist studio," said Nicole Helegda.
Many of those displaced onto the cold, rainy streets are desperate to find a new home and wonder what the future holds for the community they built.
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