PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- On Thursday, Portland Police handed out notices to members of Occupy Maine to vacate Lincoln Park.
A day earlier, a Superior Court judge ruled the city's ordinance prohibitng overnight camping was not in violation of the protestors first amendment's rights. The city originally wanted to give the protestors two days to break camp and clean up the park. But after talking to the group's attorney, the city is giving Occupiers until 8:00am Monday. The city would not say if protestors would be arrested if they refuse to leave by the deadline.
"We are taking this on good faith with what has been communicated to us. They asked for additional time, and we are giving the weekend to do so," said Nicole Clegg, City of Portland spokesperson.
After the notices were handed out, protestors began cleaning up trash and other debris. The city placed a dumpster at the park. Occupiers say they are counting on volunteers to help them clean up the park this weekend.
NEWS CENTER