Posts tagged Municipal Building
Occupy Boulder hour of doom rapidly approaching
Jan 6th
Boulder police chief visits Occupy Boulder encampment, discusses city park hours
Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner, along with Boulder Police Cmdr. Carey Weinheimer, visited participants at the Occupy Boulder encampment outside the Municipal Building this afternoon to discuss the new rule that goes into effect tonight, which closes city parks between the hours of 11 p.m and 5 a.m.
The rule prohibits anyone from remaining in city parks, parkways or recreation areas, with the exception of bicyclists and pedestrians who are passing through the areas. Individuals remaining between the hours of 11 p.m and 5 a.m. will be in violation of the city’s trespassing rule and subject to receiving a summons or being arrested. The chief and commander handed out copies of the new regulation as they spoke to individuals at the encampment this afternoon.
Boulder chief of police warms Occupy protestors of deadline
Because Occupy Boulder protestors have been camping overnight on the Sister Cities’ Plaza outside of the Municipal Building for several weeks, Chief Beckner wanted to make sure individuals were aware of the change, which goes into effect tonight.
“Boulder police officers have been engaging in dialogues with Occupy Boulder participants all along. I thought it was important to continue those dialogues so that they understood the new rule, when it goes into effect and what the potential consequences are if they decide to stay,” Beckner said. “The police department intends to enforce the trespassing regulation, but what we are really hoping for is voluntary compliance. We support all people’s First Amendment rights to express their opinions, and hope they will do so during the daytime hours.”
Discussions between the chief and the participants at the encampment were low-key and positive, as most of the interactions have been to date. Many of the protestors are planning to comply with the new rule and some shared with Chief Beckner their plans for packing up their tents and making arrangements to protest during hours that the city parks are open.
Police intend to enforce the park closure rule, although the department has not set a timeline to do so.
Boulder proposes to close all outdoor public areas at night
Dec 16th
City manager proposes closing parks and recreation areas at night
Concerned about safety and health risks associated with encampments and other activities after nightfall, Boulder City Manager Jane S. Brautigam announced Friday that she is considering closing parks, parkways, recreation areas and open space between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The proposed rule, issued according to authority granted to her under city code, is subject to a 15-day period for public comment.
Members of the public may file written comments with the city beginning on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, when notice will be published in the newspaper, and ending on Jan. 2, 2012. The city manager will consider all comments before deciding whether to impose the rule as written or make changes to it. The rule would take effect once she submits a final decision to the City Attorney’s Office.
The proposed rule would not apply to individuals passing through the affected areas on foot or bicycle or in cases where permitted events are being held. In addition, it would allow police to consider personal property left behind during these hours to be abandoned.
While the most visible use of these areas in recent days have been protestor encampments outside the Municipal Building, the rule is not intended to curb free or constitutionally protected speech. Individuals would remain welcome to congregate in city parks during daytime hours for these and any other lawful activities.
“The City of Boulder values the rights of all of our community members, including those who wish to use our public property,” Brautigam said. “We need to ensure that all people are able to do so safely and work hard to protect our public spaces for future generations to enjoy.”
“Closing our parks for a limited number of hours each night will help us address the important health and safety concerns while still providing for meaningful access during the day,” the city manager said. “I believe this is a balanced approach.”
Brautigam made the decision after consulting with City Attorney Tom Carr and Police Chief Mark Beckner and taking into account recent court decisions related to access to public property. Carr said the rule, which would impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions, is similar to provisions for closures in other cities.
Copies of the rule are available for public review at Central Records on the second floor of the Municipal Building at 1777 Broadway. Individuals who wish to comment on the rule may send their written remarks by U.S. mail to Parks Closure Rule, City of Boulder Box 791, Boulder, CO 80306, or e-mail them toparksclosurerule@bouldercolorado.gov before or on Jan. 2, 2012.
Occupy Denver calls for 24 hours of protest
Nov 16th
24 hours of protest.
First Rally: Noon at Municipal Building @ 201 West Colfax Avenue
Second Rally: 6PM @ The Greek Ampitheatre in Civic Center Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCCUPY DENVER
November 17: 60 Days of Action
We have reached a pivotal moment in history, as we find ourselves on the threshold of a great and lasting change. We at Occupy Denver stand in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street and all occupations across the country and around the world. The accelerated and coordinated efforts to destroy the Occupy movement, evidenced by the forceful actions taken against the occupiers in Zucotti Park and other cities, are confirmation that the Occupy movement is working.
These actions will not stop us; they will only make us stronger. This has brought us to the precipice of tremendous change, a change for the better. We believe and know what is right and good and thus we will take that next step.
The Occupy movement stands in sharp contrast to the forces that are being marshaled against us. When they use force, we use nonviolence. When they
try to isolate us, we build community. When they move against us, we call for peace and cooperation.
Together, we are standing up and speaking out for the rights guaranteed by our Constitution: the right of free assembly, the right of free speech, the right of free press. We affirm that all people are created equal and have the right to share in the prosperity of our great nation. Without such rights, then what have we? We are committed to ending the corruption of our government and restoring political power to the people. We believe that our country, and our world, can be a better place and that we must work together to make this happen. To those already standing with us: we ask that you continue to stand strong. You are making the difference. To all the rest: we need for you to join us. We need individuals and organizations from every corner of the country to join the Occupy movement now.
We call upon you who have been silent: Speak and be heard.
We call upon you who have not stood up for what you believe in: Stand and be seen.
We call upon you who have yet to put your needs on paper. Write and be counted.
Make the difference and bring about the change you want to see! Join us at noon tomorrow, November 17, at Civic Center Park as we celebrate the two month anniversary of Occupy Wall Street and the nearly 2,000 Occupy movements that have sprung up around the world. There has been a coordinated effort to silence the voices of the 99%, Mayor Hancock and the Denver Police Department are scared of an awakened populace. We will call attention to the Mayor’s decision to violently crackdown on Occupy Denver. We will present alternatives and show the contrast with other communities around the country and how their local governments have supported the 99% rather than attempt to silence the voice of their constituents. There will then be a 6 p.m. rally at Occupy Denver after which we will conduct a General Assembly where we will discuss the Occupy movement as a whole and how we should progress over the coming months. So come out, have your voices heard and once again stand up for freedom, for justice, and for the future of our world. United we stand!
