PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hundreds of protesters arrived to Occupy Mt. Tabor Friday night in an effort to keep the city from covering its reservoirs.
Portland city officials closed Mt. Tabor Park to vehicles because of a planned protest over covering the reservoir, July 12, 2013 (KOIN 6 News)
The park roads are typically closed on Wednesday for maintenance, but they did not re-open Thursday or Friday. Officials with Portland Parks and Recreation won’t say when they will re-open.
The mood was festive as Occupiers arrived. With some greeting old friends with enthusiasm. The Occupation started early as campers arrived in dribs and drabs.
The media was out in full force as well as circling city workers of different agencies including the police.
As five pm approached more Occupiers arrived as traffic from rush hour increased down 60th Ave. there were many sign holders on the sidewalk encouraged by the honks of support from the passing motorists. There were also fliers being passed out to the drivers as they stopped for the stop signs in the intersection.
The number of Occupiers was impressive when contrasted with the small number of Occupiers that initiated Occupy Portland back in September of 2011. Hopefully this effort will raise awareness and allow the public outcry to prompt the City Administration to continue getting waivers for the reservoir in lieu of saddling the water ratepayers with yet another corporate giveaway disguised as an "upgrade".
I have a video that will have to wait until morning as it is taking too long to upload and going up to Mt.Tabor has wiped me out. Off to bed.