Portland's chief of police says Occupy protesters can keep using the sidewalk outside City Hall, now that it's been cleaned. But they can't block the way.
The city notified protesters they'd have to clear out by Monday morning, so the area could be cleaned.
Occupy protesters say they've been asking to have it cleaned for months, because of rats and dirt. One activist, who would only identify himself as Tequila, said they started the job themselves Sunday night.
"The occupiers got on their hands and knees and scrubbed the sidewalk. And used 60 gallons of water, that's green if you ask me."
The sidewalk around the entire building has now been power washed.
Police Chief Mike Reese says Occupiers will be allowed to return. But he wants the sidewalk to remain open.
"People have a right to access City Hall. People have a right to voice a statement. And we have to balance that and sometimes that can be difficult for all of us."
Reese says protesters can use Lonsdale and Chapman parks, but only during the day.
The mayor’s office notified protestors last week that police are prepared to cite people for obstructing the sidewalk, public drinking, drug use and public indecency.
