Spring 2003

Artist Project / Odd Lots 3

Parking mirage

Jimbo Blachly

For an introduction to the “Odd Lots” artist projects, see here.

PROPOSAL by Jimbo blachly
Install ten parking meters on Matta-Clark strip (2 feet wide, 350 feet long down left wall of alleyway; see bottom photograph and real estate map) in block 3398, lot 16, off of Woodward Avenue, Queens. Attempt to raise enough cash to purchase large derelict masonry foundation located on the island of Manhattan on West 171st Street (see top two photographs).

collection
Hire local gang to check on delinquent patrons, tow and resell abandoned vehicles, service the meters, ensure safety for paying patrons’ vehicles, etc.

financials
Cost of Purchase and Installation of Ten Parking Meters: $6,000
Meter Rate; 30¢ per three-minute period (monthly checks accepted)
Income: Assuming ten patrons and around-the-clock parking: $1,400 per day
Cost of Hiring Gang: $30 per day
Asking Price of West Side Chunk: $250,000
Down Payment: $25,000 inside of a month!
Monthly Payments: $4,450
Mortgage Rate: 7%
Total Mortgage: $267,000 of which $42,000 is interest. Clear in six years!
Maintenance: Additional funding from arts granting organization.

Jimbo Blachly is a New York–based sculptor whose work has been exhibited at Franklin Furnace, the New Museum, P.S.1, and Elizabeth Harris Gallery in New York City. He was the recipient of the 2002 SculptureCenter Prize and his project “About 86 Springs” was recently on view at SculptureCenter. He is currently collaborating with poet Lytle Shaw on a project titled “Specific.”

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