Camp Closure

Overnight New York City police cleared Zuccotti Park, home to the Occupy Wall Street protesters.  According to the police, the decision was precipitated by health and fire safety concerns and allegations of criminal activity — the same issues that seem to have plagued the OWS camps elsewhere.

From news reports, it appears that most of the protesters left peacefully, although a number of them resisted and were arrested.  Some of the protesters chained themselves to trees and other objects in the park.  After the park is cleared of all of the tents, tarps, and debris and restored to its original condition, protesters apparently will be allowed back — but not allowed to stay overnight or set up an encampment.

After the last protesters are removed this morning, three questions will remain to be answered.  First, will the OWS protests continue with the Zuccotti Park semi-permanent headquarters closed down?  Second, what kind of stuff was found in the debris removed from the park?  And third, who gets the thousands of dollars that apparently were contributed in support of the OWS protests?

Edited to add:  A judge has upheld the city’s decision to evict the protesters and to refuse the erection of tents and other structures in the park.