Mayor Denies Occupy Permit Renewal

Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach has denied the request of Occupy Colorado Springs to renew its permit to privately use the public space adjacent to Acacia Park. Mayor Bach has also ordered a 45-day city moratorium on issuing any new, similar permits.

The Occupy group has been protesting in that area for the past month. An earlier agreement between the group and the city allowed them to put up tents and canopies along the sidewalk. That permit expired at 11:59 pm on November 20. In a written release, the city says Occupy Colorado Springs did not consistently meet the guidelines set with the initial permit.

Colorado Springs Police have said that protesters are allowed to be in Acacia Park as long as they obey park hours and leave by 9pm, when it closes.

The Mayor’s decision may be appealed to the City Council.