Hey folks, Today, in response to the emergency call out yesterday, a crew of five organizers from Ithaca headed down to Riverdale Mobile Home Park (Eliza Sherpa, KC Alvey, Reed Steberger, and ourselves, Nell Gagnon and Sam Law). Riverdale community members and supporters have been standing their ground for the past 12 days, after natural gas company Aqua America attempted to force residents from their homes. Aqua America purchased the land where these families live and intends to build a water extraction site in place of their homes. As we approached Riverdale, we saw several state police cars parked near by. We were greeted with frenzy of activity as volunteers and guests of the community frantically packed up tents and moved all personal belongings off the property in anticipation of the Police. The State Police indicated that all friends and supporters of Riverdale had to leave the premises or else be subject to arrest. Beginning tomorrow, no guests will be allowed within the perimeters of the park. There were about 30-40 outside volunteers and guests of the community, coming from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts. We encountered people from Earth First!, a number of anti-fracking groups, as well as folks from the anti-mountain top removal campaign in Appalachia. Because many supporters were only able to be at Riverdale for short periods of time, organization fluctuated. The media team needed some help, and we quickly got busy making press calls, writing a press release, and helping liaison press. Soon, Aqua-hired security arrived and began staking in an orange plastic fence. Those outsiders willing to risk arrest stood on the inside of the fence in solidarity with the community members, holding a giant banner which stated "This is a beautiful place, people live here!". About twenty police officers suddenly approached, plastic handcuffs in tow. At this point, the guests of the community decided to leave the inside of the fenced area. Supporters were willing to be arrested, but ultimately chose not to do so at the behest of Riverdale residents. A brief meeting was called, where volunteers agreed to ask residents what they wanted in terms of support. From the beginning, all supporters had made a pact to "leave their personal agendas at the gates" and act in accordance with the Riverdale community's wishes. When we left, a temporary fence remained intact and only residents were allowed to enter Riverdale. Tomorrow, a more permanent fence may be set up and Aqua America will move forward in forcibly displacing those residents who remain in their community. What stood out to us about Riverdale was firstly the principled nature of the outsiders who worked so closely and respectfully with the people in the community. We were also moved to see one of the Aqua-hired security workers tell us that he felt horrible to have any part in destroying this community. The community at Riverdale is a strong one, and the residents are well organized. As one of the first mobilizations in the direct action campaign in the Marcellus Region, we feel it is fitting that this particular action emphasizes how fracking disproportionally impacts already marginalized and disenfranchised communities. The Riverdale action demonstrates how outside supporters working closely and respectfully in solidarity with those communities can join them in standing strong, even in the daunting presence of bloodthirsty corporations like Aqua America.
If you want to learn more or keep up to date with Riverdale, visit saveriverdale.org. If you are interested in going down tomorrow (Thursday), the community desperately need bodies, skills, and support. Otherwise, consider donating to a bail fund for folks willing to be arrested for the survivial of the Riverdale community. Donations to the bail fund can be made here: https://www.wepay.com/donations/160391 Keep the river in Riverdale, Nell Gagnon and Sam Law For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/ If you have questions about this list please contact the list manager, Tom Shelley, at [email protected].
