Can Occupy Survive Without Zuccotti Park?

Plus, an update on yesterday's arrests
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 18, 2011 7:30 AM CST
Can Occupy Wall Street Survive After Zuccotti Park?
Occupy Chicago protesters march down Randolph St. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

What’s the future of an Occupy movement that doesn't have a space to occupy? Experts offer a range of suggestions for those who have been booted from Zuccotti Park: "At this point, I think they should quickly migrate to the Washington Monument," an NYU professor of urban policy tells the New York Daily News. "There’s ample space, and close proximity to the decision-makers." Efforts like yesterday’s to disrupt a city’s functioning won’t get much sympathy, he notes: "New Yorkers are a work-oriented people."

A radio host suggests a location closer to home: "Why not go to Crotona Park in the Bronx? Nobody’s going to evict you there." Trouble is, he acknowledges that "the moment you leave the Wall Street area, things start to dissipate." Of course, the movement isn’t confined to New York:

  • Some 72 protesters were arrested yesterday in Los Angeles for trespassing and staying at an unlawful assembly, the Times reports.
  • In Portland, protesters briefly occupied a Wells Fargo Bank branch before getting arrested; other city banks took preemptive action and closed.
  • Occupy Philly members, who have had a positive relationship with the city government, have been told to pack their bags for a new location ahead of planned construction work at City Hall, notes the Wall Street Journal.
For more Occupy updates, head to Daily Intel—or check out how protesters managed to "take over" Manhattan's Verizon building. (More Occupy Wall Street stories.)

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