Sabtu, 13 Oktober 2012
It's Hot around Park Ave Especially for Investment Property!
The temperatures may be falling but the real estate climate around Park Ave is super hot, especially for multi-family investment property. In the past six weeks or more, I've heard from many investors and want-to-be investors and when we secure an appointment to view these properties, there are usually two or more other investors looking at the same time.
A little free advice here for new
Senin, 08 Oktober 2012
A TRIP TO THE NEWLY OPENED 'HOBO HILTON'
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| Entrance to the Hobo Hilton |
Early yesterday evening on Saturday 6thOctober we visited the newly opened office building 'Hobo Hilton' , at 203 High Holborn, which has apparently been empty since 2003.
This squatted space was a hive of activity. The welcome desk in the foyer was surrounded by many excited visitors, including quite a large media group .Despite the name this newly opened project, which has been formed by a number of groups including Occupy, doesn’t have an open door policy to simply house homeless people, though shelter does seem to be a part of what The Hobo Hilton has on offer.
Raising public awareness of the massive housing crisis this country is in, the consequences of the savage financial cuts those in power are still in the process of inflicting on the infrastructure of our society and the dangers we all face if the issues of climate change are dealt with by yet more cuts and green wash.are on the agenda for this activist hub .A mix of informative workshops and direct action are the tools of choice for the people involved in this project. On offer on Saturday, which was an open day was a very fine banner making session, a beautiful and thought provoking art exhibition provided by a number of artists and an entertaining cabaret in the evening. All free.
We recommend a visit sooner rather than later (court coming up this week) Donations of useful items, food, your time or suggestions on how to use the space would all be welcome.
Facebook Group here:
Daily Mail Article (!):
Demotix Pics:
Jumat, 05 Oktober 2012
Showing Stress
I work hard when I take a listing. My days are filled with putting out signs, taking photos, verifying tax bills, writing ad copy, calling utility companies and much, much more. But my job is much easier than most homeowners.
When a house is on the market, a home owner must clean the gutters, manicure the lawn, paint the front door, hind the trash cans and that's just with hopes to have
Sad Day in Honeoye Falls
General Motors announced that it is closing its Fuel Cell Facility in Honoeye Falls today. This will have a huge impact on this tiny village's economy. GM has offered jobs in Michigan to many of the workers but I'm betting there will soon be a flood of nice homes on the market in Honeoye Falls and Mendon.
HACKNEY PUB 'THE SCREW' NAILS RESISTANCE!!!
A successful eviction resistance in Hackney squatters' local 'The Screw' this morning. Despite an overwhelming early start to the resistance (a plethora of bailiffs and private security guards with very angry dogs) the numbers of the resistance gradually swelled to an impressive 30/35 strong crowd. After a two hour standoff, numerous cups of tea and slices of melon, the forces of darkness eventually left the derelict pub and it's occupants in peace - much to the delight of the resistance!
A much needed success considering the newly opened 'Cuts Cafe' was evicted yesterday evening after harassment from the Met and riot police. At first they threatened to storm the building and arrest folk for abstraction of electricity. Although when presented with evidence that the group had spoke to an energy company earlier that day they changed their minds... They were now adamant that the group were committing aggravated trespass and thus felt the need to call 3 vans of riot cops. Proportionate.
So. Although no arrests were made, the building was emptied and re-secured by security. The police often use the offence of aggravated trespass as a way of getting people out of buildings. In the case of the cuts cafe, the building was empty. There were no signs that it was in use. The cops claimed that there were meetings scheduled there though for 'sometime in the future'. So. Aggravated trespass. Were these people really committing this offence? Or were these empty threats? Judge for yourself.
a. Aggravated trespass (section 68, Criminal justice and public order act 1994)
‘(1) A person commits the offence of aggravated
trespass if he trespasses on land and, in relation to any
lawful activity which persons are engaged in on the
land, does there anything which is intended by him to have the effect of:
(a) intimidating those persons or any of them so as to
deter them or any of them from engaging in that
activity
(b) obstructing that activity
(c) disrupting that activity’
The section goes on to define ‘lawful activity’ as an
activity which can be engaged in without committing
an offence or trespassing on land.’ So if the activity
wasn’t lawful or there was no actual activity taking
place then you will have a defence.
This offence can only be tried in the magistrates court.
The maximum penalty is 3 months imprisonment, a
fine of up to £2,500, or both. First timers would probably get a fine in the region of £200-300.
(Courtesy of www.activistslegalproject.org.uk)
Kamis, 04 Oktober 2012
CARDIFF SQUATTERS FIGHT BACK!
First eviction resistance in Cardiff in over a decade ongoing at the Gremlin Alley Squatted Social centre in Cardiff. Here's the latest update:
UPDATE - 3pm
Latest update is that cops scaled down to between two and five in the last hour and have just been stood across the road with two bailiffs and the janitor. No attempt at entry so far.
Still several squatters on the roof, wearing masks, and a few people still outside, but not as many as before.
Passing cars have been supportive, with one woman apparently saying "don't move, stay strong!"
And the house over the road, near where the cops are standing, is playing Public Enemy, Rage against the Machine and CRASS loudly through the upstairs window! Last we heard the Autonomads had just been requested, but folks on the roof are after black paint to make signs to save shouting requests across the road and food is also welcomed (vegan if possible).
Photos from the day due up shortly...but more to come as they haven't gone...
And thanks for the messages of support received from places ranging from Swansea to Brighton!
Solidarity to all squatters and Alex Haigh!
Here's the Indymedia article from this morning:
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/500908.html
Respect!!
**UPDATE** 4PM New Pic!
***UPDATE 6PM***
After an all day rooftop standoff, Police and bailiffs have finally left the property and the residents remain in their home. We heard there are rooftop celebrations ongoing which will very likely continue for a good while! Another successful resistance for the UK squatting community in these difficult times. Big up to the Cardiff squat collective - today you really showed them that whatever they say.....
SQUATTING WILL STAY!!!!
Rabu, 03 Oktober 2012
FIRE SAFETY
We came across an article today about how many people are living in precarious living conditions in the capital. The upsurge of rents in the private sector combined with a lack of available social housing has forced many into the rental of sheds, garages and spaces not fit for habitation. This has sadly led to 4 deaths and 45 injuries over the past three years due to fire. Is this your big society Cameron? Where unscrupulous landlords capitalise off people’s need for shelter? Where people can afford no better roof over their heads than that of a garden shed? There is a dire need for affordable housing in the capital and until the government start putting people before profit we can only imagine things will worsen.Here's the BBC article:
If you're worried about fire hazards in your home, contact the London Fire Brigade fire safety team on 08000 284428. They offer a home visit team who will come and advise you how to protect yourself from fire hazards and also install free smoke alarms.
Senin, 01 Oktober 2012
NEWS ROUND UP!
After an exhausting few weeks of evictions, arrests, scuffles with the police and dodgy internet connections we're finally able to update the blog again. So, lots has been going on here's a quick round up:
FRIERN BARNET LIBRARY
As most of you will be aware, Friern Barnet Public Library, which was closed down due to cuts, has been reopened and given back to the community. They had court last week and managed to get an adjournment for three weeks. They had poetry and spoken word workshops last Sat followed by a jam session which the local residents got involved in. Big up Friern Barnet Crew!!!
**Book donations and volunteers greatly appreciated!**
LASPO? FUCK NO! LET OUR GUY GO!!
Alex Haigh, 21, of London is currently serving a 12 weeks sentence at Wormwood Scrubs for the 'offence' of squatting in a residential building. This has saddened the squatting community greatly. So, lets get pens and paper out and send him some messages of solidarity. The newly formed Squatters Legal Network are collecting in messages of support. Give them a shout if you want to send him something.
https://network23.org/squatterslegalnetwork/
SQUATTASTIC!
A rather wet squattastic happened a few Sundays ago in Waterloo. Torrential rain meant many were not able to attend but cheers to those who did. A member of Greentech did a workshop on off grid energy which was really informative and useful - solar panels are the way forward! There was then a intergroup meeting between various squat related groups about how the new legislation is kicking in. The next Squattastic date was decided but we've lost one of our diaries somewhere in squatworld so can't actually put it up here. Will post date/location asap.
SOLIDARITY TO ALL!
To finish, we want to say a massive thank you to all those who have been rushed off their feet the last few weeks protecting our community from homelessness and arrest. From commercial squats who are providing shelter to residential squats thrown out on the streets to individuals who are using their free time support other crews in finding a place to live. Massive respect to all. Together we are so much stronger.
It's been a rough few weeks and many of us are exhausted by recent events. The governments attack on our peaceful community has caused so much unnecessary havoc and stress. When times are tough remember that the community is here and it's stronger than ever. Have a read of this article it made us remember exactly why we're doing what we do and why its so worth fighting for. Much love to all.
http://cutscafelondon.wordpress.com/2012/09/27/guest-blog-on-squatting-by-a-london-anarchist-and-squatter/
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