City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, March 28, 2012) – The City is pleased with today’s court decision. The ruling clears the way for the re-opening of Washington Square Park for use by all of our citizens. The City has given the Occupy Rochester group more than four months to camp in the park. We have also given the group ample time and opportunities to find a method to end their encampment. I have repeatedly stated that the park is for all the public and by the nature of their camping activities, access to a large area of the park is denied to all citizens. I have also stated that we needed to get the park back by spring in order to repair the damage caused by the encampment so it could be ready for use during the summer and fall seasons.
A few weeks ago, I met with members of Occupy Rochester and told them I fully expected a legal challenge on this matter and said I would abide by the court’s decision. I also said that I expected the group to abide by the court’s decision. Now that the court has spoken, I am asking Occupy Rochester to close down the encampment and to vacate the occupation by the end of the day Friday. The group is free to use the park, as are all citizens, according to the City Park Code, which regulates the use of the park.
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News Media: For more information, contact Gary Walker at 428-7405.