Occupy marks 3 months, future uncertain

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Occupy Austin protest will celebrate its three-month anniversary this weekend with two days of celebration and events starting Friday night.

There have been more than 100 arrests during that three month span but the movement is also boasting a positive impact.

“We have convinced people in this community to move $600,000 out of banks and into credit unions,” said protestor Azzurra Crispino.

But as time went on, questions about the movement’s ultimate objective were raised. No clear timeframe has been set for how long they will be at City Hall, while a large portion of homeless people are sleeping on the plaza steps.

“They can’t continue to stay out there like that,” said one passerby. “It looks terrible and that is all there is to it.”

Just Thursday morning, a bonfire was set and left black burn marks on the plaza tile. The city and protestors say they do not believe the fire was started by members of the movement but that distinction is becoming harder to make.

“If we turn away the homeless, what kind of movement of solidarity are we?” asked Crispino, who plans on leading a group in performing 108 yoga sun salutations as a part of the anniversary.

The city has said they will protect the First Amendment rights of protestors while also protecting a safe environment. Whoever, the city did release this statement on Friday:

“The City will continue to ensure that individuals in front of City Hall are in a safe and healthy environment as they practice their first amendment rights. At this point, we have not changed our position. However, we remain concerned about some of the activities taking place that do not appear to represent a protest. We will continue to monitor the activities in front of City Hall.”

As for a timetable for the Occupy Austin, Crispino says the movement will continue.

“If we can convince the government to change, we could be gone tomorrow,”

However she would not specify any of the changes they are seeking.

“Part of the thing about our movement is not making specific demands.”