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Gansevoort Owner Sorry for Billboard But It's Not Going Anywhere

Where: 18 9th Ave [map], New York, ny, United States, 10014

With neighborhood businesses enforcing a boycott of the Hotel Gansevoort guests (thanks to the hotel's eyesore of a billboard), owner Michael Achenbaum was forced to apologize.

Page Six reports that Achenbaum sent out an email to neighbors which apologized for installing the billboards.

"It was a business decision made without fully envisioning the sheer size of the signage and without understanding the emotional impact it would trigger," Achenbaum wrote. But the signs aren't moving. "As I am bound to a long-term lease to allow these legally designed and constructed signs, I have come to the table with local community members to suggest ways to minimize the aesthetic impact."

So the billboards are here to stay but Achenbaum is willing to make some changes like installing art on the back of the billboards of the signs. He says this could be a new way for local artists to display their work and since money always talks, he's willing to throw $5,000 at each artist as a commission as well as host community charity events at the hotel.

Will this work? Who knows but we still say book your own reservations for neighborhood restaurants if you are staying at the Gansevoort.

Related Stories:
· Hotel's sign of desperation [NY Post]
· Billboard Near Hotel Gansevoort Still Causing Problems [HotelChatter]
· Gansevoort Stands Behind its Meatboard [Curbed]