Occupy protestors prepare for winter

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - This weekend we have the possibility of accumulating snow in the metro area for the first time this season.

In preparation for the winter, Occupy protesters have set up a dome. We spoke with both the city and the Occupy Buffalo protesters about permits needed for them to be in Niagara Square. Both of them said that negotiations are ongoing.

We spoke with a lawyer for the Occupy protesters who said that they had a verbal agreement that things will remain as is until a more structured agreement is in place. That agreement also includes the dome. There is no permit currently in place and the lawyer for the protesters said that the dome is a temporary structure that is no different than a tent.

But there is already a possible problem when the snow comes. The city has said it would not be able to pile snow removed from the streets in Niagara Square.

“If we do get a heavy snow, if we do get a storm it would make sense for them to try to relocate,” said Mayor Byron Brown.

We asked the city for more details and they said a contingency plan was in place if needed, but would not comment on what that plan is.

Chris Phillips, an Occupy protester, said, “We have not heard any details about that contingency plan just yet as to where we might possibly be moved, but we are going to be very proactive about the snow and keeping people safe and making sure that no one is harmed and that no one is in jeopardy or endangered here.”

Phillips also said they have people with trucks ready to help with snow removal and plan to use the snow as a resource by making igloos and ice structures.