About 30 loyal customers of Baby Buddha rallied inside the Chinese restaurant, at the corner of Washington and Bethune Sts., Sunday afternoon, saying it can’t close because it’s one of the only affordable places left to eat in the neighborhood, which has been so heavily gentrified. The restaurant is located right across from the Westbeth artists housing complex, and many of the residents are Baby Buddha regulars, whether for eating in or takeout. Senior-citizen Westbeth residents particularly like the restaurant for its welcoming atmosphere, and say the family that runs the place is very warm. But the Asian eatery was on a month-to-month lease, and the landlord, William Gottlieb Real Estate, recently told Baby Buddha they must vacate by this month’s end. Westbeth residents have started a petition drive to keep Baby Buddha open. Above, Baby Buddha owner Joey Wang, right, and waiter Tom Qiu. Opposite page, Mae Gamble, 80, president of the Westbeth Artists Residents Council, led the rally as residents drank tea. See Editorial on Page 18.
Lincoln Anderson
