GENERAL TENANT'S MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 6:00 P.M. DANNY SLOAN ROOM

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Security Deposit Checks: They're Baaack!

Shoreline has again returned the security deposit checks to our attorney Harvey Shapiro, who has now informed them that he believes that this means that Shoreline no longer requires security deposits as a condition of our tenancy. As evictions begin, the Steering Committee/Board of Directors, by a nearly unanimous vote, has decided to propose to the PCGTA members that we send a message to Bruner: we are committed to this fight by signing our checks over to the PCGTA as a "prepayment" of our dues.

Obviously this would only be effective if a large majority of tenants agree; but if successful we would have a war chest that would earn us interest and also reduce some of the dues collecting burden on the wing captains.

Here's how it would work:

1. Each member would have an individual accounting of their balance and would be able to receive a refund if they chose to leave the PCGTA, moved from the building or needed the funds for any reason.

2. These funds would never be used to compensate for shortfalls from the monthly dues collecting; if we need to increase dues in any given period because of extra legal expenses no more than the agreed upon monthly amount will be used.

3. Those tenants who have larger checks will be reimbursed for any amount over one year's dues, calculated from December.

This is obviously a personal decision that depends on everybody's own set of circumstances, but to me this is "found money;" I can't think of a better way to use it than to help protect our homes. The checks will be available at the tenant's meeting on Monday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m. where we can all discuss this.

Phil Salkind

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Taxtime Approacheth

Free: Community Tax Aid at the Madison Park Community Center, every Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 55 New Dudley St. For more information call 635-5209.

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It's a Party! It's a Benefit! It's the place to BE!

MIDDLE EAST BENEFIT On Saturday February 24th, Great Northeast Productions, Instant Magazine, and the Planetary Group present a special Upstairs/Downstairs night at the Middle East Nightclub at 472 Mass Ave in Central Square in Cambridge to benefit us, the PCGTA. Ten acts will be donating their services to raise money for our cause, so let's get out to support them. Performing will be Vigilantes of Love, Angry Salad, Fledgling, Standing on Earth, Tommy's Darkling Thrush, Little John, Johnny Vegas, Bob, and Gumshoe. The shows start at 8PM and admission is $7.

A special thanks to Adam Lewis for making this one happen.

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A thought: Just what are you waiting for, and why are you waiting?

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NEXT GENERAL MEETING:

The next general meeting will be held Monday, February 19th [Presidents Day] at 6PM in the Danny Sloan Community Room. As you probably have heard some residents have already received eviction notices so now is the time to attend meetings and stay informed. The floor will be open for discussion about dues restructuring. We will be calling for volunteers at all three rent levels to serve on this committee. It's your money; get involved!

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Housing Code Violation Procedure:

One of the best strategies for us to slow down Shoreline in the short term is to point out the numerous code violations in the building and in our individual units. This is the easy 3 step process:

1. PCG Resident Oscar Duhart has volunteered to inspect resident apartments with a copy of the housing code checklist. Appointments with him can be scheduled between 6PM and midnight by calling him.

2. After Oscar completes his inspection each resident must write a memo to the office pointing out the violations and requesting repairs. Please make 3 copies of the memo: send one to the office, get one to your wing captain, and keep one for your files.

3. Schedule an appointment with the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department. They can be reached at 635-5300, extension #1400. For their files they'll need to know your name, address, and phone #. They'll also need to know our landlord's address: Simeon Bruner/Shoreline Corporation 130 Prospect St Cambridge, MA 492-8400. IT CAN TAKE UP TO THREE WEEKS FOR AN APPOINTMENT SO DON'T PROCRASTINATE! Some appointments within the building are already scheduled for Saturday Feb. 24; mention this when you call.

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Letter Writing Campaign: From the February 4 NY Times Sunday magazine interview with Barney Frank, "In fact votes will beat money any day, any politician forced to choose between his campaign contributions and strong public sentiment is going to vote public sentiment. You can always get new campaign contributions but you can't get new voters."

Politicians do respond to letters, so we all need to sit down at our typewriters, word processors, computers; even the elegant pen and paper will do. There will be copies of appropriate names and addresses at Monday's meeting, as well as sample letters. Bruner and Shoreline may have the money but if we each let politicians know how Shoreline's actions affect us and how the Piano Factory is just the tip of a very large iceberg we can help our cause and the cause of affordable housing overall.

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Home Rule Petition: As of 2/15 the City Council hearing on the home rule petition had not been scheduled. Due to Councillor Hennigan's auto accident, and other scheduling considerations, the city council hearing on the HRP won't be for at least two weeks. This is one of those important events where we will need bodies, testimonials, phone calls. So, plan to be there when we get the date! We need to lend our active support to the hearing to testify and to show our support for this measure. Stay tuned for a flyer with further details and info.

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Summary Process Summons, etc.: "Eviction Notice"

A) Don't panic!

B) IMMEDIATELY make a copy and get THE ORIGINAL to your wing captain.

C) You will get an interview with Harvey Shapiro at his office in Cambridge well before any court dates. You may need to change your schedule to meet his.

D) Read everything so you know what's going on.

E) You are not alone! We will be there when the court date arrives.

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FEBRUARY DUES ARE DUE! PLEASE REMIT PROMPTLY!

A suggestion: endorse the back of your rent check: "For the payment of rent only."