Protestors Challenge City Evictions

Members of Cambridge's Eviction Free Zone protested high rents yesterday in front of the home of a local landlord who is attempting to evict three Cambridge residents.

The 12 demonstrators, armed with banners, candles and a megaphone, chanted and shouted at the Arlington home of property owner David Cacciola.

"All we have requested is for Cacciola to negotiate fairly with us instead of taking us to court," said Anna Baum, a 17-year resident of 65 Dana St., which is one of Cacciola's properties.

Baum is one of two residents of that building who will be appearing in court today for an eviction hearing. She said she received warning of eviction after she was unable to pay the 21 percent rent increase Cacciola imposed on her in March.

Kerry P. Doyle, another resident of 65 Dana St., went to his eviction hearing already and is waiting on the judge to render a decision.

"We have tried to negotiate with Cacciola. We went to City Council, and they even passed a resolution encouraging him to meet with us. Still, he won't negotiate," Doyle said.

According to material prepared by the Eviction Free Zone, Cacciola told the City Council that he "intends to negotiate in good faith."

Four tenants have made individual deals with the landlord to avoid immediate eviction, but protesters argued the arrangements are merely short-term solutions.

"One tenant agreed to move out in three months," Doyle said. "I guess you can call that negotiating."

Cacciola did not respond to repeated requests for comment yesterday.

The Eviction Free Zone, an organization which fights for tenants' rights, voting rights and living wages, became involved in the Dana Street tenants' struggle several months ago.

"This case is important because it is a reflection of a huge housing problem in Cambridge," said Marie C. D'Aoust, an organizer at the Eviction Free Zone. "With rents as high as $1,400 and $1,500 per month, we have lost many Cambridge residents. What happens to single mothers and low-income families?"

In 1994, legislation ended rent control across Massachusetts. Though a majority of voters across the state were in favor of the move, polls have shown that Cambridge, Boston and Brookline residents were in favor of rent control.

"Increasing rents erase the multicultural aspects of cities," Doyle said. "People with limited incomes cannot afford to live here."

"We have staged a number of demonstrations over the years," D'Aoust said. "They are effective in drawing attention to the housing crisis and making people understand what eviction means."

About 45 minutes into the rally, Arlington police arrived at Cacciola's home and asked the protesters to turn off their megaphone. The protestors complied and left the scene soon after. Cacciola never came outside or responded to the demonstration.

"We think demonstrations will draw attention to the housing crisis. We also hope to give the tenants a sense of empowerment," D'Aoust said.