Occupy Pittsburgh must leave Mellon Green

After more than three months on Mellon Green in Downtown, a judge has ordered that Occupy… After more than three months on Mellon Green in Downtown, a judge has ordered that Occupy Pittsburgh must leave the campsite.

On Thursday, Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Christine Ward gave the Occupiers three days remove themselves and their belongings from the park. In her opinion, Ward said the injunction is necessary to prevent “immediate and irreparable harm” that comes with the occupation of the park, especially in winter months.

But Ward noted in her opinion that Occupy Pittsburgh has greatly benefited from their time at Mellon Green. They were able to advance their cause from their occupation of the land, which served as a symbol of the protest, in addition to the media coverage they received of their movement.

“They have been able to spread their message — the message of the 99 percent — to people walking past and sometimes entering their encampment,” Ward said in her 21-page opinion.

The damage that the Occupiers have caused to Mellon Green in the past few months could cost BNY Mellon an estimated $70,000 to $100,000, in addition to the $24,400 per week it has cost the company to beef up its security, according to the opinion.

As of Jan. 11, Occupy Pittsburgh’s bank account had a balance of $4,200.

Ward said that the status quo during the winter has always been to close the park. For the past 10 years, Mellon Green has been closed during the winter months with a chain placed across the entrance, restricting access.

BNY Mellon ordered the Occupiers to vacate Mellon Green Dec. 11, but the campers decisively remained in their tents and claimed seizure of the park, renaming it The People’s Park. The next day, the bank filed an injunction against the Occupiers to prove the illegality of the Occupiers’ continued residence on the bank’s property. Occupy Pittsburgh has been camped out at Mellon Green since the branch’s movement began in October.

The preliminary injunction hearing to decide whether or not the Occupiers could remain on the land took place on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11.

BNY Mellon spokesman Ron Gruendl and Occupy Pittsburgh attorneys were not available for immediate comment.