These community-friendly entertainment groups have been getting caught in the wide net cast by police since the start of Zero Tolerance last year. City and town officials said that while DIY shows may be more professional than the disorderly house parties that have erupted in violence, the law is the law. And if DIY groups are violating zoning, licensing, or other laws, they will be shut down.

A/V Space, The Treehouse, and The Landfill have all had their venues closed down.

The April 30 issue of City Newspaper reported on DIY's difficulties and members' frustration at the perceived indifference of city officials. But officials said no one from DIY had ever contacted them for help.

That's changed.

City Councilmember Elaine Spaull has met with members of A/V Space.

"I just think they're awesome," Spaull says. "When you think about what they have done, what they have been able to do as a volunteer, low-maintenance, grassroots group of people that had 100 or more performances last year...."

Spaull is working with A/V Space to find a new venue.

"We're just going to keep at this and see what we can do," she says.

Scott Oliver, a curator for A/V Space, says a space at the Public Market is under consideration.

"I think the city's response is really good," he says, "and it's just a matter of finding the appropriate landlord."

The Treehouse and The Landfill have joined forces and are now called Common, a representative says. Members are looking to make Common a nonprofit organization, she says.