Report From Pittsburgh December 11th 2011
Sunday December 11th
Pittsburgh, PA
Sunshine splashed on the Mellon Green complimenting the optimistic atmosphere at Occupy Pittsburgh. Dozens of volunteers worked on winterizing the camp, trough the addition of tarps and heavy material to the sturdiest tents. A central effort revolved around erecting a massive barrack like structure in the center of camp. The energy of Occupy Pittsburgh and the quality of their structures suggest they are here to stay. Indeed the noon deadline of eviction issued by BNY Mellon passed without notice. There were no police or other authorities present.
Occupy Pittsburgh remains in a shrinking group of Occupations with a central camp- The nationwide crackdown on Occupy Camps has evicted most movements to pursue new forms of protest and resistance. Yet Occupy Pittsburgh continues, in part because of the support it enjoys in local government, with the City of Pittsburgh being one of the few legislatures that have voted to endorse their local Occupation.
However, Occupy Pittsburgh remains in their current location on tenuous terms, primarily because they are occupying semi-private land. The decision will rest with the Courts, who will likely uphold the right to private property and its implications- Occupy Pittsburgh may soon need to enter negotiations with the City and BNY Mellon to arrive at a more permanent solution or face the police-
As for now, the pizza has just arrived, and people are queuing in the line, and are proud to occupy another day-
