Speak No Evil: Thor Coney Tenants Required to Sign Confidentiality Clause

Lola Staar Boutique founder Dianna Carlin, who we reported in early February was evicted by Thor Equities, is speaking out about why she was forced to go. The entrepreneur says she was given the boot by the developer because she balked at a confidentiality clause that was part of the lease she was offered. Ms. Carlin tells Metro that “Thor has forced everyone to sign the confidentiality clause, so when people go to the businesses and ask about it, all you can do is shrug your shoulders." She adds:

Before the confidentiality issue, Carlin had a “good relationship” with Joe Sitt, principal of Thor. When Carlin contacted Sitt’s office about her eviction, “The lawyer said the eviction had to do with negotiations with the city. I just feel like I’m this prop. It’s this game for [the developer], but it’s my business.”

Thor's spokesperson did not comment to Metro about the allegations. However, a spokesperson for the city's Economic Development Corp. did comment about the loss of the Staar boutique on the boardwalk:

“It’s businesses like Lola Staar’s that have given Coney Island its unique flavor and authenticity, and we hope to see it relocate and succeed in the area for many years to come,” said Yonit Golub, spokeswoman for the city’s Economic Development Corporation. “The city is committed to preserving and enhancing Coney Island’s historic amusement area, making sure it stays open to the public and creating economic opportunities for local residents. We have serious concerns that residential uses are not compatible with that vision.”

We'll be having our own conversation with Lola now that she is no longer entangled in lease issues with Thor and will report back. Her former boutique, by the way, is part of the location of where one of the luxury highrises the developer wants to build would go.

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Coney Island Deathwatch: Lola Staar Boutique Evicted