Fed Up NYC Business Owners Plan Counter-Protest Against Occupy Wall Street

The Occupiers claim to represent the 99%, but they can't even live in harmony with business owners just a stone's throw away from their Zuccotti Park encampment.

In fact, local merchants are fed up with the antics of the Occupiers. And now they are fighting back: A counter-protest is planned by local business owners for the steps of New York's City Hall.

After suffering through two months of endless drum circles, trashed bathrooms, public urination, and nearby sexual assaults caused by the Occupy Wall Street movement, small business owners have chosen to exercise their own First Amendment rights.

They are sick and tired of suffering major financial losses and disrupted daily lives. Some have even been threatened by Occupiers, and they aren't going to take it lying down.

Monday evening is just one part of a broader counter-protest effort. Business owners already have claimed they are "pursuing all options," to deal with the Occupiers, " including lawsuits against the city, the mayor and the private company that owns Zuccotti Plaza, the encampment headquarters," according to WNBC-TV.

Mayor Bloomberg has been a particular target of criticism from the business owners. They feel he has been too lenient with the Occupiers and needs to stop making excuses for them.

At least one downtown Manhattan resident, Linda Gertsman, thinks the counter-protest has the force of law on its side.

"Laws are clearly being violated and we simply want them enforced," she said.

WNYW-TV talked with local business owners about their displeasure:

As The Blaze reported over the weekend, business have lost close to half a million dollars because of the ongoing protest.

The event will start at 5 pm ET. The Blaze will be present and will report any developments.