MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Campers have dismantled their tents without incident after a Dane County judge ordered what began as an Occupy Madison demonstration to leave a city-owned lot.
The campers had until noon Tuesday to leave the site. The State Journal reports by Tuesday evening, all that remained was a stack of wooden pallets.
The Occupy Madison movement began last October as a demonstration against economic inequality and social injustice. But the encampment has evolved into a gathering spot of mostly homeless people. About 50 to 60 people have occupied the site.
Mayor Paul Soglin says the encampment has become a haven for drug use, assault and property crime. Soglin says the encampment will be treated as a hazardous waste site during cleanup because of reports of needles and bodily fluids
