I grew up as a part of the graffiti scene and although i am no longer active my love for the art will never die, some people would disagree with graffiti being an art and think of it as nothing more than mindless vandalism which in some cases it is but the art that is on display on the 5Pointz warehouse in Long Island City which is a neighbourhood in Queens, New York which is perhaps the birthplace of modern day graffiti is far from that.
In November 2013 a developer by the name of Jerry Wolkoff decided to do away with what was described as an "international mecca for graffiti artists" and seemingly painted over the artworks without notice, subsequently 21 of the artists sued and surprisingly won and a judge has awarded $6.7 million in damages.
As far as i know this has never happened before and sets a precedent, i am unsure whether the developer is able to appeal the decision but i feel if he were to he would win as it seems a bit excessive.