Housing Take Over in Progress

BREAKING NEWS

(Nov. 29th) 10:30am, All 5 activists were released after pleading not guilty to 3rd degree trespassing. Though ownership of the building is not entirely clear, the police said an owner has decided to press charges. Trial date is set for December 12, 2003.



(Nov. 28th) 9:30pm, After nearly 4 hours, the 5 squatters were arrested by Rochester Police and brought to Monroe County Jail to be processed. The abandoned property is owned privately by a resident of Pittsford who had finally been contacted. One of the arrested called in to say that the officer processing the 5 was pretty sympathetic towards the action. Other officers at the site, however, were not so friendly. One officer threatened an Indymedia photographer with arrest under the charge of "harrassment" for taking pictures of the event. The 5 will be have a pre-trail hearing Saturday (11/30) at 9:30am at the City Court on Exchange (Next to Public Safety Building). Supporters are encouraged to attend.




(Nov. 28th) 6:30pm. Immediately following the HomelessSolidarity Rally in downtown Rochester ; 5 members and supporters of Poor People United occupied an abandoned building on Franklin Street, Downtown, to call attention to the resources available for a fully funded hypothermia shelter for homeless persons this winter in Rochester. Currently, the 5 are inside the buidling and the police are on site waiting to figure out whether to arrest them. The police are currently attempting to determine ownership of the building, consult the owner, and proceed with action accordingly. Will post updates as reports come in.