IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OCCUPY ITHACA, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ITHACA, DEWITT PARK CAMPERS & OTHERS
From the City of Ithaca
This NOTICE is intended for anyone who is camping or living in DeWitt Park, or who remains in the Park during its closed hours (between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am). This NOTICE was mailed and emailed to the contact persons identified by the Occupy Ithaca group, and is being delivered to the Occupy Ithaca encampment on December 27, 2011.
An application from Occupy Ithaca, requesting permission to use DeWitt Park for its activities, was denied by the Superintendent of Public Works on December 9th, and Occupy Ithaca was notified that it must remove tents from the Park. The denial was appealed, and the Board of Public Works will decide on December 28th, whether to reverse the Superintendent’s decision.
This kind of use of City parkland or other public property is not allowed without permission from the City. Under New York State law, parkland must be available to all of the public, for recreational purposes. Ongoing occupation of the Park with tents interferes with the public’s right to enjoy all of the Park.
If the Board of Public Works does not reverse the Superintendent’s denial of Occupy Ithaca’s request to set up and maintain tents and other structures in DeWitt Park, on a continuing, indefinite basis, then such use must be discontinued by 10:00 pm on December 28, 2011, and cannot be re-established in the future, without a prior permit.
Any camping or personal items that are not removed from the Park by 10:00 pm on December 28, 2011, are subject to removal and disposal by the City.
Any person who maintains a tent or camps in DeWitt Park after10:00 pm on December 28, 2011, or who is in the Park during its closed hours, will be subject to ticketing and/or arrest.
=============================================
If you need shelter or other personal assistance, the following agencies may be helpful to you:
- Red Cross Friendship Center
618 W. State/MLK, Jr. Street, Ithaca 273-6684
- Tompkins County Department of Social Services
320 W. State/MLK, Jr. Street, Ithaca 274-5644
- Loaves and Fishes (Free Meals & Advocacy)
210 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca 272-5457
- SPCS Crisisline (24-Hour Free & Confidential Support)
272-1616 or 1-800-273-TALK Call anytime
