Occupy Philly proposal to stay put at Dilworth proves divisive

Occupy Philly continues to debate whether to move their protest tent city when construction to rebuild Dilworth Plaza begins later this month. Some propose moving in exchange for demand to keep Ridge homeless shelter open.

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Occupy Philly proposal to stay put at Dilworth proves divisive

POSTED: Thursday, November 10, 2011, 11:07 AM
Filed Under: News | Protest

Occupy Philly continues to debate whether to move their protest tent city when construction to rebuild Dilworth Plaza begins later this month. A “radical caucus” put forward a proposal to stay put for good that will be decided at tomorrow night’s General Assembly, and it reads like so:

"Occupy Philadelphia will stay at Dilworth Plaza at the anticipated ‘start of the Dilworth Plaza construction.’ We also intend to expand to Thomas Paine Plaza. If this proposal is adopted Occupy Philadelphia will issue a public statement and a list of demands."

The vote is expected to be close; proponents need to garner an overwhelming majority to pass it. Opponents say that a decision to fight the city will prove incredibly divisive, and tempers are already running high at City Hall.

One activist tells City Paper that a compromise solution of sorts might be up for debate: a demand that the city keep the Ridge Avenue men’s homeless shelter (now set to close at the end of the year) open in exchange for a relocation of Occupy Philly. Negotiating around a winnable demand (i.e., not a laundry list that includes ending certain wars or releasing certain prisoners) seems more likely to win public support than fighting a mayor who, in contrast to leaders in cities like New York and Oakland, has shown the movement respect.

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