Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Resistance at 34 Broadway Market

In my search for activities to get involved with, I found this group that is trying to fight the gentrification of the neighborhodd and corruption of the local council. This group of community members have been a back and forth struggle with the local council and developers. Due to squatter's rights here have been able to occupy Cafe Francesca in an attempt to prevent its demolition in order to build new flats. I went there last night to check it out and when I got there, the squatters were in a meeting as they got a tip that they were to be evicted the next day. Turns out they weren't though so the occupation continues. It's been quite interesting. They were evicted earlier and demolition started, but due to the carelessness of the demolishers, they were able to stop the demolition. This bought them enough time to re-occupy the cafe and rebuild what was torn down. I didn't get to take pictures inside as things were intense with trying to discuss what could happen tomorrow and how to ensure they gave no reason for arrest or turn the public against them.

1 comment:

Jaynna Sims said...

I don't know about these fires. Where were they exactly?