An active Occupy Philadelphia member “strongly” believes there will be a vote at tonight’s General Assembly on whether or not to move to Thomas Paine Plaza and/or to take up the city on its offer for a 9 a.m.-7 p.m. permit. The Occupation has already decided to “relocate” to Thomas Paine Plaza without the restrictions set by the city — and before the city’s permit placed restrictions on the move. Tonight the group will potentially decide on whether they will adhere to those restrictions.

The member, Jesse Kudler, said he cannot be certain the issue will come up until about 5 p.m., when the GA issues are decided upon.

“I strongly believe there will likely be a vote or at least a discussion about what to do about the move,” he said.

There are a few options on the table then: Move to Thomas Paine according to the city’s requests, move to Thomas Paine and decide against the restrictions, or move somewhere else completely.

Earlier today, the group posted a link and explanation to its Facebook page,

Occupy Philly decided to relocate away from Dilworth in solidarity with unions and all workers. Local AFL-CIO, SEIU, and other unions have expressed and shown support for Occupy Philly. When we work together we are stronger. We need solidarity and support now more than ever since the City has decided to terminate our occupation after Thanksgiving. They offered us a tent-free permit across the street from 9am – 7pm.

The Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO just approved a powerful resolution to support their local Occupy encampments. “The resolution states the AFL-CIO will support any ‘unionized or non-unionized worker who refuses to break up, raid or confiscate the belongings of protesters…
Protest movements, like strike lines and organizing campaigns do not have curfews and are not 9 to 5 activities,’ the resolution states. ‘And in doing so, we recognize and will work to protect the right for occupiers to protest 24 hours a day, on-site, with proper protection, including food, medical supplies, water and tents.’”

Occupy Philly’s Facebook page is already abuzz about the potential for a decision, with one user saying, “The ‘City’ has DECIDED to terminate YOUR occupation? Nyce! Funny how that works … just wondering if the Afghans or Iraquis can DECIDE to terminate the U.S.’s occupation of their Country?” Another said, “imo fuck accepting that permit. First Amendment baby. Clash with the city, don’t play by it’s rules. But that’s all imo.” And, another blamed those within the movement for not standing up to the city when it posted its notice of eviction in the first place:

“We decided to move because few people had the guts to stand up to this 50 million dollar facelift of city hall. Powerful special interests and deep pockets got their way once again, as usual,” a Facebook user wrote.

Note: This blog has been updated.

UPDATE: They voted. To stay.