Signs posted by BNY Mellon give Occupy Pittsburgh two days to vacate

Please Note: This page is a blog; it reflects the view of the individual author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Occupy Pittsburgh.

The following text was posted on signs in the Occupy Pittsburgh camp today, Friday 9th December, 2011:

NOTICE

 

To Occupy Pittsburgh

Since October 15, 2011, Occupy Pittsburgh has occupied and used BNY Mellon Green despite the fact that it is private property and nothing obligates or requires BNY Mellon to allow such use. We have done our best to pursue a respectful relationship with your organization, in recognition of the desire of those occupying BNY Mellon Green to express their views.

We are increasingly concerned, particularly with the onset of winter, about the manner in which BNY Mellon Green is being used and with all aspects of personal safety on our property. These concerns are heightened by reported incidents of hypothermia and the use of propane heaters, gasoline powered generators and other flammable devices in the confined spaces of tents. We are also concerned about hazardous conditions created by any accumulation of snow and ice on the property, which in previous years, has led us to close BNY Mellon Green altogether in winter months.

In light of these concerns, we are requiring the removal of all tents and other structures as well as camping equipment and other stored personal items from BNY Mellon Green by no later than noon on Sunday, December 11, 2011. After that date, overnight camping and the presence of any structures, camping equipment, and stored personal items will be prohibited and considered an unlawful trespass, which we will seek to remedy by filing for injunctive relief with the court on Monday.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this request.

BNY Mellon.

Occupy Pittsburgh is engaged in meetings to discuss a reaction to the notice.