In an open letter to the Occupy Portland movement, Mayor Sam Adams said the current safety conditions at the encampment were "not sustainable," changing the
previous day-by-day approach of the city.
Citing specifically increasing arrests, drug use and violent behavior, Adams said the purpose of the letter was to stress the urgency in dealing with these problems.
"It is imperative that solving these serious problems be a priority for Occupy Portland, before a serious injury or death occurs," wrote the mayor.
Adams said other cities worldwide are also dealing with safety issues at Occupy encampments, noting that the movement in Bend closed its camp but continued active meetings.
"I have said from the beginning that I believe the Occupy movement would have to evolve in order to realize its full potential," wrote the mayor.
"I believe Occupy Portland can lead the nation in figuring out what the next phase of the Occupy Movement looks like," he said.
Adams' letter followed other Monday news at the downtown locale,
including the ongoing occupation of the federally run Terry Schrunk Plaza by a small group of people locked to a heavy barrel.
Also on Monday, the Portland Parks and Recreation Bureau decided to close another restroom due to safety concerns for its employees.
