June 19, 2009
CAPS moves on Church of Crystal Light? (UPDATED)
Earlier word that Community Assisted Public Safety (CAPS) officers attempted to visit the Church of Crystal Light on Adams Street yesterday seem to have been incorrect. Residents of the area did report that people were seen removing mattresses and other domestic items from the Crystal Light building through the night.
Originally posted as below at 9:31AM 6/19/09 –
Word has it that Community Assisted Public Safety (CAPS) officers attempted to visit the Church of Crystal Light on Adams Street yesterday, but that the inhabitants refused to answer the door. Residents of the area report that peopel were seen removing items from the Crystal Light building through the night. Anybody remember Citizen Gallery and how that went down?
I saw an old man defecating in the yard of one of the abandoned houses around Clay and 2nd last night. Why doesn’t CAPS do some code enforcement on these blighted properties? I guess if it doesn’t get a write up in Style they can’t be bothered.
How long until one of these blighted properties burns or collapses like the Eggleston? It doesn’t matter to the City of Richmond because the Church of Crystal Light might not be charging an admission tax at First Friday and that’s the big violation that’s holding Jackson Ward back.
John, I remember Citizen all too well, and I hate the deja vu this whole thing is giving me. Any more recent news on what’s happening w/ the COCL space?
Word has it there was NOT 15 caps members trying to get into Church Of Crystal Light….
seems like gossip columns like this one make situations even worse for galleries and spaces that already have or havent yet felt some heat from organizations like c.a.p.s….especially when you are completely misinformed. classic “hanoi jane†moves.â€LOOK THEY ARE RIGHT OVER THERE!â€
So were there NOT folks moving mattresses and other goods out of Crystal Light last night?
Dang I was hoping this was true. Those kids are a pain the in the ass.
My husband talked with some people last night about this. My understanding of the situation is that it had to do with the property owner’s tax, and had nothing to do with C.A.P.S or the artists who use and rent the space. This article does seem a bit premature.
THANKS FOR UPDATING JOHN! ITS GREAT TO KNOW THAT C.A.P.S WASN’T INVOLVED, AND EVEN BETTER TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE THROWING SOMETHING IN THE TRASH IS NEWSWORTHY! A+! WOULD READ AGAIN!!
Hi Jessie, thanks for stopping by. There are 2 parts to this that I think are interesting.
First, I reported this as unconfirmed. I linked to a twitter post that had been reposted numerous times. This is a rumor that was spreading fairly quickly. I felt the source was credible as they are someone that has been involved in the recent CAPS brouhaha. Whether I reported on it or not, the rumor was spreading.
Now, beyond merely repeating what I heard, this post put the story out into a pubic enough space so that folks that knew more were able to clarify my (and I’m sure others) understanding of the situation.
Second, this is a property that is both zoned commercial and has been complained about by some neighbors as being illegally used as a performance space and a residence. The presences of mattresses is one of CAPS big indicators that a property is being used residentially. If folks are throwing out mattresses in the wake of renewed focus by the authorities, this is interesting,
This just doesn’t seem like you are reporting news. This just seems to be a vehicle for he said she said nonsense, and the advancement of your own white politics.
What about those properties on 2nd and Clay? The first comment on this page brought up good valid points, yet you ignored them. You also denied my comment the first time i posted it, yet “Dang I was hoping this was true. Those kids are a pain the in the ***” is much more topical and relevant in your eyes.
YOU are working AGAINST the actual interest of Jackson Ward by working to SUPPRESS culture and community. Your only purpose in reporting is to proliferate your WHITE AGENDA.
Jessie – I’m not judging the relevance/topicality of comments here, & I didn’t “deny” anyone’s comment. There is a spam filter, perhaps you were flagged in some way?
Your statements regarding my politics and agenda are confusing and baseless, and I have a difficult time seeing any connection between this post and your assumptions. I don’t want to get into some sort of weird internet argument with you here; I invite you to contact me directly at murden@gmail.com if you’d like to have a conversation.
Finally, this site isn’t actually very active. We’ve been seeking contributors for months, local folks who can champion the culture and communities of Jackson Ward, Carver, and Gilpin. If you feel that there are stories that are not being told or are being misconstrued, please send’em in.