Ann Arbor Police remove tents from Liberty Plaza
Pedestrians walk past tents set up in Liberty Plaza, which were removed Thursday night.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Previous coverage:
Liberty Plaza no longer has anyone camping in it after the Ann Arbor Police Department removed the remaining tents from the park Thursday night.
Steve Powers, Ann Arbor city administrator, said police decided to remove the tents after their own observation and reports from various sources indicated the Occupy Ann Arbor movement was no longer involved with the remaining camper in the plaza.
"On Feb. 7, Ann Arbor Police made contact with the person occupying the tents and informed him of the need to remove the property," Powers said. "The removal was completed last night at 11 p.m. without incident."
According to Powers, the tents' contents included shoes, clothes, four milk crates, multiple signs, a mattress, several blankets and pillows, a kerosene heater with five gallons of kerosene, 10 garbage bags filled with trash and several cardboard boxes. Over 25 empty propane canisters were also found in the tents.
The property was in city possession but has most likely been disposed of, Powers said.
Powers said the park's standard regulations are in effect, which includes no camping overnight and park usage hours from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., but he added that the city will continue to be supportive of active protests.
"Ann Arbor certainly has a long history of protest and beliefs," Powers said. "Ann Arbor will continue to be respectful to any public protest or gathering."
The Occupy Ann Arbor Liberty Plaza protest began in October, but its presence dwindled to one man, who confirmed in January he wasn't working with the movement.
Contact reporter Danny Shaw at 734-623-2544 or dannyshaw@annarbor.com.
Comments
Autonoe
Sun, Feb 19, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, but I was genuinely shocked to find such vitriolic classism and anti-activist sentiment in these comments sections. Occupy Ann Arbor didn't trash the park, and I daresay there's been just as much concern about the tents among Occupy Ann Arbor participants as among the general public (though probably better-informed concern). I guess this is just another manifestation of the YouTube phenomenon, wherein those with the most hateful things to say are the most eager to express themselves. Almost every person I've spoken to across Ann Arbor has been supportive of Occupy Wall Street and its solidarity movements, including the one here in town. If anyone's interested in what it's actually about, Occupy Ann Arbor has a website: <a href="http://www.occupyannarbor.org" rel='nofollow'>www.occupyannarbor.org</a>.
Scylding
Mon, Feb 13, 2012 : 5:45 a.m.
@Denise Heberle: "And just btw, we all know that many of the people who write such hateful comments about important issues are paid to do so." Honestly? You think your adversaries here are being paid to criticize you? You mean like how Occupy DC and the AFL-CIO paid laid-off union members $60 a head to protest the Conservative Political Action Committee this past week? As seen here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_DgCrUS1VA" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_DgCrUS1VA</a> Gotta love it. They paid these local 100 benchers, bussed 'em in, and they didn't even know what they were protesting! The very dictionary definition of political astroturf! Looks like even if we were paid, you would be the pot calling the kettle black. And if somebody were paying us, at least they'd be getting their money's worth since we know what we're protesting.
Denise Heberle
Sun, Feb 12, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
Don't think the absence of tents means the end of Occupy Ann Arbor. We never left. The local "press" doesn't bother to do any research, and then makes ridiculous pronouncements. If you want to know what is going on, go to <a href="http://www.annarbor.org" rel='nofollow'>www.annarbor.org</a>. Tents don't make the movement - the people make the movement. And just btw, we all know that many of the people who write such hateful comments about important issues are paid to do so. There is more public support for the Occupy and affiliated movements than the mainstream sources of "news"would lead you to believe. Get out - get educated - and, as a friend said today - stop drinking the hate-ade.
Autonoe
Sun, Feb 19, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
Glad someone is saying this. Quick correction, though: the website is <a href="http://www.occupyannarbor.org" rel='nofollow'>www.occupyannarbor.org</a>.
eastsidemom
Sun, Feb 12, 2012 : 11:08 a.m.
I hope to see the Occupy movement back this spring (they plan on it you know). And for all you haters who think it is only youngins and drifters who refuse to work, get a clue. It is about fairness and economic bullying by bankers that blew it and then have pushed onto the middle class' back. Occupy includes people of all ages and incomes. I hope they are in going to be in view of you hater's own backyards!
Denise Heberle
Sun, Feb 12, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
Oh we'll be back - we never left. The local "press" doesn't bother to do any research, and then makes ridiculous pronouncements. If you want to know what is going on, go to <a href="http://www.annarbor.org" rel='nofollow'>www.annarbor.org</a>. Tents don't make the movement - the people make the movement. And just btw, we all know that many of the people who write such hateful comments about important issues are paid to do so. There is more public support for the Occupy and affiliated movements than the mainstream sources of "news"would lead you to believe. Get out - get educated - and, as a friend said today - stop drinking the hate-ade.
snapshot
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
Interesting that folks want the "law" to be respected in this case but those same folks were OK with the woman violating the leash law resulting in an emergency crew having to rescue it from the Huron River.
Bogie
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
Hey Bro, It was me out there. Our government has to make the 1pct pay their fair share. I called my mom thursday, and she said it was going to snow, and be freezing this weekend. I'll be back when it warms up, to fight the injustices of our society (meanwhile, if you need to get a hold of me; I will be gaming in my mom's basement)
TFR
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
Hey Orian, now that the tent city is no more; where should I dump off my old furniture, mattresses, etc.... for your homeless shelter ambitions?
Diagenes
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
It would be fun to watch liberals tie themselves up in knots trying to be compassionate and progressive, if not for the fact that their beliefs are so dangerous to the public good. The concern that we cannot stop a protest movement that violates a silly little ordinance like you cannot sleep in a public park overlooks the fact that we have laws and ordinances for a reason. The leadership of the Mayor and City Council on this issue from day one has been pathetic. We are extremely lucky the results were not much worse than a lot of wasted time and money.
pbehjatnia
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
Oh, and lastly to our judiciary, esp. The Hon. Melinda Morris, stop trying to prove how liberal and understanding you are and start locking up the criminals in this town. That you let a child rapist walk away is sick. Earn your robe and show some dignity to the bench upon which you sit and respect to the citizens who pay you- start doing your job.
pbehjatnia
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
They removed the tents after it became known that the tents were not part of the Occupy Movement. Really? Not because taxpayers had had enough of fun and games? I don't know about the rest of you but I am completely over the double standards in this one horse town. Chief Barnett, your job is to protect and serve. Start with applying the law equally to all. To our dysfunctional prosecutor, start doing your job and charging lawbreakers like squatters and shoplifters. To our pathetic mayor, get a real job and stop trying to turn a part time gig into a meal ticket. To city council, stop dragging your feet and move this town forward. To the DDA, do what your charter dictates and not what your appointer, Hieftje, says to. If there is a business oriented, educated, gainfully employed candidate in the cit, please step forward. We need you on the primary ticket. If Ann Arbor really wants to make money and get in shape again we have to start with new government.
Carole
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
It's about time. Hmmm, good idea Kdadnick -- I think it is an excellent idea that they reimburse the city for police service.
motorcycleminer
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
Hopefully when they comeback in the spring after wintering at daddy's, playing with their I pad they will erect their traveling circus in front of city hall where it belongs...I wonder how long prince john would tolerate that...
FormerMichRes
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
I see a lot of comments criticizing Ann Arbor city government for lack of action. I have to say they are slow to act when it comes to street people and panhandlers. This "occupier" was obviously part of the street crowd. It seems to have taken some investigative reporting by annarbor.com ... and follow-on complaints from concerned residents to the City to get action. As a former resident of Ann Arbor, I have to make a related observation. Part of the problem for the lack of action related to the "Occupy" crowd ... and street people and panhandlers (a sub-category of Occupy, I'd guess) in town, are the residents. You complain, but keep on electing the same government officials (or people with similar mind-sets) election after election... and expect different results! In the city I currently reside in, city officials ousted the Occupy crowd several months ago for various reasons including trespass and other illegal activity. Bottom-line, don't just complain -- take action at the ballot box next election.
Halter
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
Yeah!!! That is all.
Goofus
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 6:04 a.m.
See ya freeloader!
Wolf's Bane
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
All the idealistic little kiddies went home to their parent's warm homes and the truly homeless got the shaft... as usual!
joe.blow
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
Why doesn't the remaining tent person just say that he's protesting the occupy wall street people? Ohhh, AA only likes liberls.
Ron Granger
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.
"The removal was completed last night at 11 p.m. without incident." The property was in city possession but has most likely been disposed of, Powers said. Why was this done in the dark of night? And why was this property "disposed of"? Who has it? The report mentions a kerosine heater. Are we to believe that it was thrown away, or that someone took it as part of the "disposal"? After allowing this encampment to remain for months and months, the removal seemed hurried and badly handled. It is reasonable to assume these people are homeless. That they were unable to relocate their possessions suggests they had nowhere to go. The low tonight is expected to be 13F. Very compassionate, Ann Arbor!
tomnspats
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
what makes you think this nameless person has no place to go?
Scylding
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
Yeah, and the closest shelter is at least 2 blocks away! Heartless! *sarc*
a2baggagehandler
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
...confirmed in January he wasn't working with the movement. Working is stupid.
joe.blow
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.
To be fair, no one in the movement actually worked nor has the desire to work.
Daisy1
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Smells better on Liberty street already!
A2centsworth
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
I am sorry but I just can't get past the 10 bags of garbage and 5 gallons of kerosene. We are all lucky that thing didnt go up like a roman candle.
jns131
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
The visual on that post was wonderful. Thank you I needed that chuckle.
djm12652
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
I do hope the City Community Standards people went thru those 10 bags of garbage and separated, according to City requirements, the recycle materials from the waste...I'd get a ticket at work if we didn't re-cycle [even though we did long before the law].
Jojo B
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 7:03 p.m.
Come on, folks! Give our A2 police a break over this. Everybody was up and angry about how the protesters were treated in other cities and towns (forced out, many arrested, sprayed in the face, etc. etc.). Our police force was respectful and patient and did not use violence. I'm glad that "Occupy Ann Arbor" is over and that we didn't make national headlines for some horrible end to it.
Scylding
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
@jns131: please stop trying invent make-believe rights. The First Amendment does not say anything about a right to camp overnight in municipal parks in violation of city ordinances.
jns131
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
The occupy group have first amendment rights. So the police have to do this right or less it becomes police brutality. Sad.
joe.blow
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
Our Police were Lazy. They should have maced them and ejected them long ago.
nickcarraweigh
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
What happened to the guy who was living there, His Majesty Whatever-His-Name-Was?
Goofus
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 6:03 a.m.
probably moved back into DeLonis.
Angry Moderate
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
The city can not pick and choose who gets to use public property based on the content of their speech, just like public schools can't pick and choose which student groups are allowed. Next time the KKK, Westboro Baptist Church, or the Diag preachers visit town, the city will have a tough time telling them not to camp out.
Angry Moderate
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
tdw- Camping out is illegal, and surely they knew the police would evict them. Now there is precedent that the police allow an exception for protesters-- and the government can't play favorites about which protesters it likes and doesn't like.
tdw
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
Although I distaste the groups you mentioned I've never heard of them camping out
blahblahblah
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
Most winter campers know it's very dangerous to use a propane or kerosene heater inside a tent. Given the contents found: "..a kerosene heater with five gallons of kerosene.... Over 25 empty propane canisters...". A safety hazard was allowed to exist for both the camper and passerbys. Luckily the camper did not hurt himself or others which would have resulted in a big lawsuit for the city.
djm12652
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 8 p.m.
could have been preparing for a segment on transient hoarders?
Angry Moderate
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
Yes, pure luck. This is why the police should have enforced the law instead of making exceptions-- there is a reason for having (most) ordinances.
Josh Thiele
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
I got a big laugh outta people when we'd be walking by and i'd say, "and here we have occupy Ann Arbor!" I cant believe that last tent stayed up so long. Way to go squatter! You were living in a prime location! For months with no hassle!
Angry Moderate
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.
They kicked him out BECAUSE "various sources" indicated that he is not part of Occupy Ann Arbor? Why are the police choosing whether people have to follow the law based on whether they are supported by a particular political group? This is viewpoint discrimination. And who are the "sources" that police based their decision on? Who has the legal authority to officially declare whether Occupy Ann Arbor supports a particular camper, and therefore whether they are allowed to camp out on city property, or have to follow the ordinance like everyone else?
f4phantomII
Tue, Feb 14, 2012 : 4:50 p.m.
Bully, sir!
Scylding
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
Excellent post! The bias is all too transparent. It would be very interesting to see what would happen if a group that is out of favor with the majority of Ann Arbor voters (say the Tea Party) wanted to camp overnight in the same plaza, for weeks on end. My guess, suddenly, the rules would count. Of course, we'll never find out, because they wouldn't want to break the rules in the first place, and they're too busy earning their way in life to squat on public property doing nothing worthwhile.
xmo
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
Why did the city of Ann Arbor support protesters who broke the law? "no camping overnight and park usage hours from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m" Maybe the law abiding citizens of Ann Arbor should protest the city's action by not paying our property tax! After all, "the city will continue to be supportive of active protests." I wonder if they will support us?
jns131
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.
I think they are taking cue from California who are cleaning up their occupy mess as well. Glad to hear this clean up is going well.
Scylding
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
@Robert Hughes: as my father told me and my siblings about a zillion times when we were young, 'two wrongs don't make a right.' We were kids. What's your excuse?
Robert Hughes
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 3:12 a.m.
Everyone speeds, runs stop signs and other various minor traffic violations. And not in the interest of a cause, but just because they can.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
but he added that the city will continue to be supportive of active protests. "Ann Arbor certainly has a long history of protest and beliefs," Powers said. "Ann Arbor will continue to be respectful to any public protest or gathering. oh give me a break, pandering pandering pandering. The guy was squating pure and simple. Protest fine, just get the required permits, insurance, what have you, pick up your trash and respect the laws or city ordinances (like no camping in city parks) and to the city ENFORCE said laws and ordinances. Geez.
Berda Green
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
wish them all the best
Simon Green
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 4:30 p.m.
How does one go about getting their protest approved by the city? (Yes, that's meant to be ironic)
smokeblwr
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
It shouldn't have taken this long. It was an eyesore and a safety hazard what with all the propane usage.
Patriot
Sat, Feb 11, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
Agree. This POLITICAL PLAY was sure obvious. This illegal gathering and living in public parks should not be tolerated. Many people i know avoided A2 to stay away from the scum "camping" out in our public park. This was not a protest - it was scum squatting on public land hoping to get their 15 minutes of fame. What a total waste of resources
kdadnick
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
So will the Occupy Ann Arbor folks be reimbursing the rest of us who pay taxes for police service? Sad to think our police officers are the Occupy clean up crew.
djm12652
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
I am assuming you and I are both in the 1% they were protesting so we can cough up the moola...oh wait...anyone that didn't agree with them was put into the "1%"...oh I wish!
ThaKillaBee
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
The Occupy Ann Arbor "folks" likely pay taxes, too, so it's not just your money. Besides, once you pay taxes it's no longer just your money, it gets put into a big pool and then divvied up. So if you want, you can just imagine your particular contribution going to anything the city pays for. Doesn't have to be police services... just imagine it goes to the janitor who cleans up after the city council.
Forever27
Fri, Feb 10, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
you (along with the rest of us) already paid for the service. rather than rant about the protesters, look at it as our money being put to use.