Occupy Atlanta is back at Woodruff Park -- not in it, but adjacent to the downtown green space where the movement set up stakes for much of October.
They were evicted by Atlanta police Oct. 26, an effort that resulted in 52 arrests. The group has since headquartered at the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless a few blocks north but has hinted at a return to Woodruff Park.
Having recently discovered what they believe to be a loophole in the municipal code, protesters began erecting tents on Peachtree Street late Saturday night. A small group remained Sunday afternoon.
The code, according to Occupy Atlanta demonstrators, allows for protests on city sidewalks as long as a four foot right-of-way remains for passersby. It just so happens that particular segment of Peachtree is wider than most.
At roughly 2 a.m. Occupy Atlanta organizer Tim Franzen sent out the word via Facebook.
"Oh, guess what? Troy Davis Park just got reoccupied," wrote Franzen. Occupy Atlanta has renamed Woodruff Park after the Savannah man convicted and executed by the state for the murder of a police officer amid widespread calls for a new trial.
By 2:30 a.m. a dozen or so protesters encamped on the sidewalk with more expected to join, Franzen said.
Atlanta police officers have questioned the protesters but so far there have been no attempts to evict, according to the demonstrators.
Daniel Hanley said he was told to move his tent by an officer and complied. "I moved it one foot to the left," allowing for the four feet threshold, said Hanley, 30. "He let me stay."
Hanley said Occupy Atlanta would like to maintain an around-the-clock presence in a central location like Woodruff Park.
"Hopefully we'll rebuild," Hanley said.
Franzen said it's too early to say how long the group will remain in their newly claimed, albeit uncomfortable, digs.
"We believe this is our legal right," Franzen said.
Return to ajc.com for updates.
About the Author
