Occupy Delaware Allowed to Stay at Plaza

Occupy Delaware has been allowed to say inside a Wilmington plaza after applying for a permit Monday morning.

Members of Occupy Delaware will now be able to occupy a Wilmington plaza a bit longer.

The protesters arrived at Spencer Plaza on the 800 block of French Street around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday after voting to occupy the building as well as the Freedom Plaza, also located on the 800 block of French Street. However, city officials claimed Occupy Delaware did not have a permit to use either plaza, according to a press release from the office of Wilmington Mayor James Baker.

The release states that city code prohibits the establishment of tents or any structures at both buildings.

Occupy Delaware was given until 9 a.m. on Monday to get a permit or get out. The city also claimed the group needed to seek permission from Delaware, New Castle County and Wilmington for use of Freedom Plaza which is managed by all three governments.

The group applied for a permit Monday morning. There are currently around 10 people staying at the plaza. While there is also a police presence in the area, the scene is currently peaceful.

Wilmington approved the group's request to stay for seven days beginning 11 a.m. on Monday and ending 11 a.m. on Monday, November 14.

However, the group is not allowed to use tents or other structures while staying at the plaza. The city will charge the group a $200 fee. The city also says the permit will be revoked if the fee isn't paid by 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

Mayor James Baker also announced today that Wilmington would not allow Occupy Delaware to stage an event in Freedom Plaza though they're allowed to assemble there.

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