Occupy Wall Street 'Clean Up' Clash: Local Pols Asks Bloomberg to Chill

(UPDATE: A slew of local representatives have joined in asking the Mayor to seek compromise. See below.)

As it looks like the odds of conflict tomorrow morning are increasing, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer sent us word that he has called on Mayor Bloomberg to immediately meet with the Lower Manhattan community, Occupy Wall Street (OWS) and the major stakeholders before proceeding with the planned clean-up of Zuccotti Park.

The Mayor says the clean up will begin at 7 a.m. tomorrow (Friday).

OWS is calling on occupiers to resist the clean up, because the Mayor has used this ruse in the past to boot occupiers out of a park.

According to OWS, "This is an emergency situation . . . NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly has said that they will move in to clear us and we will not be allowed to take sleeping bags, tarps, personal items or gear back into the park. This is it — this is their attempt to shut down #OWS for good."

OWS is calling for nonviolent tactics to hold ground. Example: "Sit down, link arms and do not let go! If the police drag you away, you can comply or go limp." OWS warns that occupiers can expect to be arrested.

Seniors, Start Your Engines

It's interesting to read that senior citizens have asked how they can help. Suggestions have included driving very slowly around the park tomorrow morning.

Stringer says he hopes to "avoid unnecessary conflict and protect the safety and well-being of all involved." Earlier today, the Stringer met with OWS protestors and encouraged them to formalize and publicize a “Good Neighbor Policy,” which has now been posted online.

Manhattan's BP said, “It’s my view that it is wise to have more discussions and meetings and not rush to a 7 a.m. deadline," he said. “There is no need to rush into hasty, precipitous action when it comes to the peace and safety of our community."

UPDATE:

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio also sent in a statement advising compromise: "I am deeply concerned that the City has upended this balance by trying to unilaterally remove protesters and their effects from Zuccotti Park."

UPDATE2: Brooklyn Council Members Brad Lander, Tish James, Steve Levin, Matthieu Eugene, and Jumaane Williams signed a letter to Mayor Bloomberg asking him not to crack down on the Occupy Wall Street protesters. More here.

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