The City of Philadelphia had given residents of three protest encampments 'third and final' notice to vacate their camps by 9 a.m. on September 9. Area businesses had boarded up their storefronts ahead of the deadline expecting a confrontation. Police started closing down the streets. The protesters erected a barricade around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway camp using bicycle rack fence and loose plywood. Outreach workers and clergy were present to offer services, but were turned away by the camp. The deadline, however, came and went. The protesters are still there and the city hasn't done anything about it.
"We have tried to avoid over months and months of time for any kind of confrontation and we have been attempting to do it an amicable and helpful way. However, the health situation and the concerns on the Parkway relative to human activities and other things that have gone on there are a real concern for the public safety and the safety of the people in the camp. We will make that decision when we're ready to go," Kenney said at an afternoon press conference. "We are assessing all of our options, but the activity we are seeing is unacceptable and unsustainable. We are not wavering from our determination to resolve the encampments in an amicable way. We are taking stock of the situation, at the same time, we remind folks who need help or shelter that services are available and we're willing to help."
"Protest camp leaders refused to allow those conducting outreach efforts into the camps. They erected barricades, held up shields, they cursed at the clergy, they threatened violence and destruction. This is extremely disappointing. This is a shame. And quite frankly, it's unacceptable," Kenney said.
"We have been fighting for access for permanent housing for low and no income Philadelphians for a long time, and we are not going to stop until we get it for every (expletive) one of us," one protestor told the crowd.
"Unless you are here to offer people housing, please leave. Let me repeat that, unless you are here with keys to housing for people, get the (expletive) out," said to the clergy.
UPDATE: 8/10 - The camp is still not cleared. Protesters have fortified the barricade around the camps and shut down the intersection of 22nd and the Parkway.
Statement from City spokesman Mike Dunn:
"The resolution of the protest camps -- which began on Wednesday -- is continuing today. This is going to be a multi-day operation. Staff from the Office of Homeless Services, outreach workers from the Department of Behavioral Health, and support staff, will be offering services and alternative housing to those at the camps. The City is not wavering from its determination to resolve the protest camps in an amicable way, even if ongoing attempts over several days are needed. And the City remains hopeful that protesters who are currently obstructing the outreach of the City to encampment residents will do what is best for the residents by permitting the remaining residents to explore and obtain services.
At the same time, as the Mayor indicated yesterday, the City continues to assess all other options. This assessment comes in light of the barricades, shields and hostile posture and communications of certain protesters, as well as the serious health and safety concerns caused by the camps. At least one protester has publicly stated they will use force, and we have evidence that the protestors are stockpiling supplies to aid their resistance. Such tactics could endanger outreach workers and first responders, and possibly precipitate wider violence. The City will use every tool at its disposal to maintain order and to resolve the camp humanely and peacefully. Forcibly removing camp residents will be a last resort. Still, Logan Circle residents are advised to avoid the area around the encampment in the days ahead. The City will offer support to neighbors and schools in the vicinity to ensure their safety."
Philadelphia Police have released video of a hit-and-run accident that killed a man on a bicycle in Strawberry Mansion back in July. It happened around 8:30 p.m. on July 12 on the 3800 block of Ridge Avenue. 32-year-old William Lindsay III was riding along the shoulder/bike lane when he was struck by a car. The driver did not stop. The vehicle is described as a 2010 to 2015 white Chevy Camaro with red racing stripes on the hood and trunk, tinted windows, and a moon roof. There is a $25,000 reward from the FOP and City of Philadelphia for information that leads to the suspects arrest and conviction. If you have any information, call Philadelphia Police Accident Investigation Division at 215-685-3180.
The Delaware River Waterfront Corp. selected the Durst Organization out of New York to develop the Penn's Landing area. Durst proposed a $2.2 billion project with residential towers, hotel space, retail, and open public space. Durst beat out three other proposals to win the unanimous bid. The most notable proposal came from 76er's owner Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. They proposed to build a new arena for the NBA team to play basketball. The Durst project will not require any public subsidies.
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