They're Entering and Occupying Buildings to Fight Gentrification

Summary

This video explores the issue of abandoned buildings in Puerto Rico, where communities are taking matters into their own hands to fight displacement and gentrification. Some residents have been occupying vacant spaces, turning them into community hubs, gardens, and service centers. Despite the risks of illegal occupation, these efforts have fostered community growth, with some even negotiating for long-term agreements with investors. Meanwhile, foreign investors are drawn to Puerto Rico’s generous tax incentives, often buying up properties with the intent of gentrifying neighborhoods, leaving local communities to battle for their homes and spaces.

Takeaways

• 😀 Puerto Rico faces a problem with abandoned buildings, creating challenges for local communities.
• 😀 Some argue that wealthy investors should buy and renovate these properties to stimulate economic growth.
• 😀 Others believe that such investments lead to gentrification and displacement of local residents.
• 😀 Communities in Puerto Rico are taking matters into their own hands by occupying abandoned buildings for food production and other communal needs.
• 😀 A group of neighbors transformed a vacant piece of land into a productive food garden after Hurricane Maria, but an investor later bought the land.
• 😀 Despite the land being sold to an investor from New York, the community was allowed to rent it for a nominal fee while planning to eventually purchase it.
• 😀 Investors are drawn to Puerto Rico due to generous tax incentives, but some simply buy properties and leave them unused.
• 😀 One group of community members illegally occupied an abandoned building to provide food and services to locals, serving over 100,000 meals since Hurricane Maria.
• 😀 This group invested heavily in repairs and now offers services like free groceries, acupuncture, and a youth ping pong program.
• 😀 Several occupied buildings have been turned into community spaces, such as art galleries, secondhand clothing shops, and food gardens, with plans for more.
• 😀 Some buildings have been informally permitted for use by the owners, while others have faced evictions but managed to stay through negotiation.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video?

The video addresses the issue of abandoned buildings in Puerto Rico and how communities are responding to them, with some residents occupying these spaces to avoid displacement and fight against gentrification.

Why do some people believe wealthy investors are the solution to abandoned buildings in Puerto Rico?

Some believe that inviting wealthy investors who can afford to buy and restore abandoned properties is a potential solution to revitalize the communities and improve the physical environment.

What are the concerns of those who disagree with the investor approach?

Opponents argue that investors are gentrifying neighborhoods, displacing local residents, and pushing up property values, making it harder for the original community members to stay in their homes.

How did the community use an abandoned space after Hurricane Maria?

The community transformed a piece of land next to an abandoned house into a food garden, growing crops and sharing the harvest. This space became a hub for community activities and a response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.

What happened when the community found out that the land was sold to an investor?

The community was upset to learn that the land, which they had been using for growing food, had been sold to an investor from New York. However, the investor agreed to rent the land to them for one dollar per month while they decide what to do with it.

What are the tax incentives for investors in Puerto Rico?

Investors in Puerto Rico are attracted by generous tax breaks, including a 15-year tax exemption for new developments and distressed areas, which only apply to outside investors, not locals.

What role did local communities play in repurposing abandoned buildings?

Local communities occupied abandoned buildings to provide essential services, such as food distribution and community support. In one case, a group turned an abandoned building into a social kitchen, serving over 100,000 meals after Hurricane Maria.

What difficulties did the community face with the ownership of the occupied building?

After occupying the building, the community discovered that the property was owned by an LLC connected to a real estate company. Despite this, they continued to invest in the building, making repairs and providing services, even though the owner was not claiming the property.

How did the community manage to secure ownership of one of the occupied buildings?

After months of negotiations and public pressure, the group managed to purchase one of the occupied buildings from the owner for a significantly reduced price, with the help of grants from foundations. This building is now known as the Kawas Mutual Aid Center.

What impact did the community’s actions have on their local area?

The community's efforts have breathed new life into urban areas by transforming abandoned spaces into cultural hubs, including art galleries, food gardens, and a theater. Their actions have fostered local engagement and created spaces for public events and services.