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Blog The first Makerspace is shut down by the government over safety violations
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  • Author Author: Catwell
  • Date Created: 13 Jan 2012 9:36 PM Date Created
  • Views 583 views
  • Likes 1 like
  • Comments 2 comments
  • hackerspace
  • maker
  • makerspace
  • regulation
  • space
  • hacker
  • cabeatwell
  • makeitlabs
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The first Makerspace is shut down by the government over safety violations

Catwell
Catwell
13 Jan 2012
image
Photo of MakeIt Labs from the inside caught the local government's eye (via Focusure Studios)
 
The first Hackerspace government shutdown too place in Nashua, New Hampshire in December 2010. Although, the exact reason for the shut down has not been described past the use of beaurocracy, some vague justifications have surfaced.
 
“We don’t shut places down unless we’re really concerned about the safety of people,” director of community development Katherine Hersh told the Nashua Telegraph.
 
“Their business is so varied, with a variety of different industrial processes – a kiln, automotive repair, cutting and welding – and along with each one of those comes a variety of concerns,” the local fire marshal Richard Wood explained.
 
The jealousy inducing 6,000 square foot MakeIt Labs was founded in July of 2010 by area “hackivists.” Their operation fits into an area of a old 25,500 square foot industrial building near the Crown Street railroad lines. The non-profit Makerspace has a hydraulic car lift, 3D printers, ceramic kiln, a laser cutting, and the standard set of tinkering tools.
 
The plan now is to get the building up to code. Installing Fixing the electrical system, plumbing, and ventilation will be needed before they can reopen. However, it is the bathroom that has cause the most concern. MakeIT Lab’s founders stated that the bathroom is considered new construction, and has a expansive set of regulations to follow. The Nashua officials stated that they want MakeIt Labs to stay in their town, but they want it to be safe. 
 
See more about MakeIT Labs at their website.
 
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  • DAB
    DAB over 14 years ago

    As much as I do not like government interference, I do support safety issues.  If there are indeed hazards to the people inside the building, then they need to be addressed.  We sometimes forget that our neat "toys" can also be deadly if incorrectly installed or used.

     

    Hopefully they can get everything straightened out and resume operation.  It seems that the government officials recognize the value in inspiring creative people within the city.

     

    I wish them well it getting back to making.

     

    DAB

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  • fustini
    fustini over 14 years ago

    Looks like they are making good progress thankfully:

     

         http://www.makeitlabs.com/home/weremakingexcellentprogress

    Thanks to everyone who has been putting in a ton of work to help us reopen!  We've been making excellent progress, and are well on track to reopen quickly.

     

    It seems that a kind plumber and electrician has donated a lot of time to help get the issues fixed.

     

    This is a tough spot for a hackerspace to be in as they still have to pay rent and usually the only source of income is member due.  It's the similar to the chicken and egg paradox for bootstrapping hackerspaces: it's hard to raise enough money to get a lease without enough members, and its hard to get enough members without an existing space.

     

    Good luck to them!

    Drew

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