PORTLAND -- Protesters who've camped outside Portland City Hall for the past several months cleared out early Monday and moved across the street -- but only temporarily.
The City of Portland ordered protesters to move by 6 a.m. Monday so the sidewalk could be power-washed. The action came after various complaints from citizens about the small group of protesters who've been camped in front of City Hall.
Some protesters helped with the clean-up Sunday morning as a neighborly gesture. They picked up all their belongings, got buckets of soap and water, and scrubbed the sidewalk clean at about 9 a.m.
According to city officials, the demonstrators are legally allowed to stay on the sidewalk as long as they don't block pedestrians, and they can't store property on the sidewalk or set up tents.
Cameron Whitten, who is on a hunger strike for homeless rights, says it was good for the activists to help clean up.
“We try to show that people who are part of activism actually do care about the community, and they do keep a clean shop,” he said.
"We are going to be here to protect their right to get whatever message it is that they want to get out," said Police Chief Mike Reese, "while allowing people access to the building, and making sure it is a safe environment."
When asked about protesters' level of cooperation in the clean-up, Mayor Adams said: "The day is young."
Demonstrators told KGW that, once the sidewalk is cleaned up, they planned to return to City Hall.
KGW reporter Kyle Iboshi contributed to this report.
