Occupy Wall Street movement averts possible eviction

The Occupy Wall Street protesters, many of whom have been staying in privately-owned Zuccotti park, faced eviction Thursday as Mayor Bloomberg told them they would have to leave in order for the part to be cleaned. Demonstrators saw the move as a ruse to end the protest. To combat the possible eviction, the protesters worked throughout the night to clean the area before police and cleaning crews could arrive at 7 a.m.

A showdown was averted, with real-estate firm Brookfield Properties, the owners of the park, withdrawing their request. The company said it would work out a negotiated settlement with protesters in the coming days.