Occupy Duluth demonstrators will be allowed full access to Lake Superior Plaza at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street, according to Amy Rutledge, a spokeswoman for Minnesota Power.
Yesterday, the power provider posted "No Trespassing" signs on the plaza and arranged concrete planters in a line demarking the bounds of its property.
But those signs were removed some time around 4:30 a.m. today, though not by the company, according to security staff at Minnesota Power's adjacent headquarters. Rutledge said it's unclear who exactly took down the signs.
Rutledge said Minnesota Power initially posted the signs Tuesday at the city's advice that it would need to define its boundaries if the company wanted to keep people from lingering and possibly even camping outside its building. Minnesota Power acted out of concern for safety, she said.
This afternoon, however, Rutledge said the company received new guidance from the city.
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"The city has an easement to use the entire plaza, and it has decided to exercise that right and allow demonstrators," she said.
"The city has taken over responsibility for this event, and we are fine with that," Rutledge said.
Minnesota Power responded by returning concrete planters in the plaza to their original positions.
"We do support the right of people to peacefully demonstrate," said Rutledge.
