Occupy LR decision this morning UPDATE 1 of 3



ALL’S QUIET: At Occupy Little Rock camp Monday morning.



TODAY’S SCHEDULE: For Occupy Little Rock.

City Manager Bruce Moore says the city will decide this morning what to do about the Occupy Little Rock encampment on city park property around the Clinton Presidential Center. He said the decision was made after the surprise tent-pitching Friday night not to act during the weekend.

Comments in the daily newspaper this morning sound as if the mayor is not inclined to permit the ongoing political demonstration. It’s a tricky spot for city officials. The city permits Riverfest. It allows, if not permits, overnight tailgating in War Memorial Park. Other cities have accommodated demonstrations. Will Little Rock give its occupiers, expressing a political point of view, the boot today?


I dropped by about 8:30 a.m. A camper was sweeping the concrete pad on which the tents are pitched. A schedule was posted with the day’s events. A visit from Police Chief Stuart Thomas was expected. A police cruiser was parked nearby.

UPDATE: Police radio chatter indicates city may be planning to suggest a move of campers to another location. And if campers resist? City Manager Moore says he’s working on a plan that’s “very respectful” of OLR participants.


UPDATE II: A police news conference is said to be coming shortly and the expectation is that the group is going to be asked/told to move. Supporters are calling City Hall with promises to provide portable toilets and other supplies to make the camp “sustainable.”

UPDATE III: Gabe Gentry, of Mindful Media Productions, provides some video from the Occupy LR camp this morning. Find it on the jump.

MEANWHILE: Blog readers Barry Haas and Robert Johnston have sent note to City Manager Bruce Moore about fears that the city might try to evict the demonstrators: