Philadelphia Begins Cleanup, Gingerly, Of 'Occupied' City Hall Apron
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Despite a 5 p.m. eviction deadline on Sunday, "Occupy Philadelphia" protesters remained on Dilworth Plaza, adjacent to City Hall, on Monday morning.
However, crews from the city's Department of Streets were beginning to dispose of pallets and trash from the encampment.
Police weren't moving any of the few dozen remaining "Occupy" people, but it looked like workers were starting to remove some of trash and other objects from around them.
During the partial cleanup Monday morning, workers found hypodermic needles, pill bottles and glassine bags at the makeshift tent city.
The 5 p.m. deadline came and went Sunday night (see related story). The city says it needs the area evacuated so it can begin a long-planned renovation of the area around City Hall.
Police Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan says the department's strategy continues, even this morning, to be one that avoids unnecessary confrontation.
"We have the same team strategy that we're hoping that this matter can resolve itself in a peaceful way and an agreeable way," Sullivan told KYW Newsradio this morning.
There were still several dozen protesters who refused to leave, and so far it looks like they are not taking advantage of the permit to demonstrate across the street.
Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio 1060; Walt Hunter, CBS 3
