So far, Brookfield's response to the protesters has been subdued. Capital reported: "In public statements, Brookfield has gently suggested to the city that it is past time to restore the space to its normal use, and has posted signs in the park objecting to the sleeping bags, tarps, and use of benches as beds throughout the space." But if it wants to force the protesters out, Brookfield will have to formally complain to the police about them, and a representative will have to walk down to the park and tell the protesters to leave, New York Police Detective Rick Lee told a meeting of Manhattan Community Board 1, according to DNAinfo. We reached out to the company to see who, if anyone, held the decision-making power to lodge such a complaint, and so far we haven't heard back from them (Update: They sent us a statement, which you can read below). However spokeswoman Melissa Coley declined to comment on that matter with DNAinfo, saying only, "We continue to work with the City of New York to address these conditions and restore the park to its intended purpose."

In his mini-profile with The Times City Room blog on Wednesday, Zuccotti suggested he didn't have a final say over the company's decision on the protesters, either. "my guess is that we basically look to the police leadership and mayor to decide what to do," he told Sam Roberts. But he suggested an eviction would happen eventually if the protesters didn't leave on their own. "Sooner or later we’re going to have to get in to clean [the park]. With gas generators and other things there, we don’t want anybody to get hurt."

But the neighbors are getting restless. Downtown residents have long complained that the protesters were too noisy, and they continued to press that message at Wednesday night's community board meeting. According to one letter from a resident quoted by Capital, it's not an ideological difference, but a problem of proximity: "The current financial system is not fair. But neither is taking over one of the few small parts of our quality of life that is a plus, and not a minus, in this tourist-inundated construction site we call home."

Update (5:10 p.m. EDT): Brookfield spokeswoman Melissa Coley sent us this statement from the company:

For more than two weeks, protestors have been squatting in the park. Brookfield recognizes people’s right to peaceful protest; however, we also have an obligation to ensure that the park remains safe, clean, and accessible to everyone. Basic rules intended to keep the park safe, open, clean, and welcoming to all visitors are clearly posted. These rules include bans on the erection of tents or other structures, as well as the placement of tarps, sleeping bags or other coverings on the property. Lying down on benches, sitting areas or walkways is likewise prohibited. Unfortunately, many of the individuals currently occupying the grounds are ignoring these basic yet necessary requirements, which interferes with the use of the park by others, including local residents, office workers, and visitors. Sanitation is a growing concern. Normally, the park is cleaned and inspected every weeknight. This process includes power washing, litter removal, landscaping and other maintenance as required. Because many of the protestors refuse to cooperate by adhering to the rules, the park has not been cleaned since Friday, September 16, and as a result, sanitary conditions have reached unacceptable levels.

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.