Opponents of hydrofracking and the new Spectra pipeline — which is now ready to start carrying “fracked” gas into the West Village and Chelsea — will hold a protest this Sat., Nov. 2, at Gansevoort St. by the peninsula.
The Sixth Precinct has reportedly permitted the rally at the location as long as they don’t block pedestrian and bike traffic.
The activists will gather at 2:30 p.m. for speeches and music — including a performance by Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Choir — and to chalk the high-pressure pipeline’s path and potential blast radius in the event of a catastrophic explosion.
Some civil disobedience is also planned, including the strategic unfurling of up to two banners across the West Side Highway. Police will reportedly allow the protesters to do so for one or possibly two light cycles. Anyone who leaves the highway will not be subject to arrest. Anyone who doesn’t leave, will be. Police suggest those who don’t want to be arrested wear colored armbands.
Local politicians invited to attend include Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Richard Gottfried and Linda Rosenthal, as well as City Councilmember Gale Brewer.
Word has it that Corey Johnson, Democratic nominee for the 3rd Council District, plans to be arrested during the protest.
Lincoln Anderson
