It’s been more than two months since Occupy D.C. moved into McPherson Square, and as local businesses try to co-exist with a large-scale protest, some are saying the movement has worn out its welcome. The CVS on the corner of 15th and K Streets has reported problems with shoplifting since Occupiers moved in, and area restaurants say they lose business during large-scale actions like Sunday’s — where 31 protesters were arrested after building a large wooden structure in the park and refusing to leave after police ordered them out. Others say that smells from the camp — especially when protesters clean portable toilets — seep into their establishments, sometimes prompting complaints from customers.
Still, other businesses say unpleasant smells and the occasional police presence are just part of working next to an Occupy protest. The best they can do, they say, is just try to live alongside their unexpected neighbors in the park.
| In this town, there’s always room for another protest. |
| Take Back the Capitol, a protest backed by major labor unions and Democratic advocacy groups that promises to fight for the “99 percent,” set up camp on the National Mall Monday and spent Tuesday afternoon visiting Congressional offices on Capitol Hill. The protest uses similar slogans to the Occupy movement, but Occupy D.C. members have been wary of associating themselves with the event because some of the parties involved are affiliated with specific political parties. |
| On Wednesday, they’ll protest on K Street, long the stomping ground of major lobbyists. Occupy D.C. has planned its own “Day of Action” for K Street, where protesters will host a block party and protest outside a lobbying firm. |
“After two months, it seems normal,” said Ayanna Brown, the general manager at Georgia Brown, an upscale restaurant across the street from the protest. “We don’t pay attention.”
Some area businesses have had to adjust policies since the protesters arrived. The Post Pub on 15th and L Streets stopped allowing customers to start tabs at the bar because employees say they’ve seen an increase in patrons leaving without paying. At CVS, which an employee said has seen shoplifting problems — typically of sandwiches, drinks and condoms — people believed to be Occupiers are regularly stopped at the door as a preventative measure.
Occupiers say they do their best to remain in neighboring businesses’ good graces. In the Starbucks facing the square, where scores of protesters flock to check email, chat and smoke outside, Occupiers volunteer to clean bathrooms several times a day and try to purchase items regularly so they don’t detract from business, said protester Jordan Bostic.
