PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Providence's top public safety official says a temporary move of protesters in a city park is not part of efforts to evict the activists.
Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare (PAH'ree) said Tuesday the city still wants Occupy Providence to leave Burnside Park, but the winterization work is not part of any plan to break up the encampment.
Pare says the city will push water out an irrigation system and fountain on Thursday. Protesters have prepped for the work by dismantling wooden structures that housed a kitchen and media group. The activists have said they will set up camp again as soon as the work is done.
Pare says the city continues to meet with the activists' lawyer, but has not ruled out taking legal action to end the protest.
