"PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - While members of the Occupy Providence movement continue negotiating with Providence officials on when to leave Burnside Park, they are in a new battle with the elements.

Strong wind gusts, some reaching up to 60 miles per hour, destroyed about 20 tents Tuesday night.

While police in other cities across the country have shut down occupy camps, Providence officials dispatched workers to help pick up the pieces of the wind-ravaged tent city.

"The city's been great what else can I say," said activist Willie Jackson, "They're helping out the best they can."

The group is now vowing to rebuild, with plans that include a solar-powered shelter, emergency generators and even a hot tub.

Occupy Providence voted this month to leave the park if the city builds a temporary daytime homeless shelter.

The city is now reviewing that proposal."

 

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