FORT WORTH -- While promoting a message against corporate greed and influence in a downtown park, a small group of local activists has worked this week to comply with city policies not necessarily designed to accommodate a multiday political demonstration.
Occupy Fort Worth, an offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street protests that have drawn thousands to lower Manhattan, has fluctuated in numbers in Burnett Park from about 10 to several dozen, but devoted members say the local effort won't let up anytime soon."I think people plan on being here until their voices are heard," said Jody Jones of Fort Worth.The activists haven't had any sharp clashes with local officials, in contrast to Dallas, where a dispute between the city and protesters recently landed in court. Yet logistical issues, like finding a place to sleep and having adequate access to bathroom facilities, have posed their own challenges.Like in New York and other cities, some of the local protesters aim to sleep at their protest location as a way of showing commitment to their cause. That's not so easy in Burnett Park, which closes in the evenings. Jones said members of the group have spent nights on the sidewalk because they were told they can't sleep in the park. He said the group has been careful to sleep in spots that avoid park property and don't block pedestrians."The first night was three people. Last night was 10 or 12," Jones said Thursday. "We're slowly growing."Several protesters said they have been heartened by donations, including blankets, water and food, from local supporters.State Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, heard this week from the activists about lack of access to a nearby bathroom facility at night. Burnam said he used his own money to bring a portable toilet to the park. He then learned that the city would require a permit and charge a fee of $80 per day to have it on park property."If it's about political expression ... should you have to pay that fee or should that fee be waived?" Burnam asked. "In my mind, the ordinance violates first amendment rights to gather peacefully."Terri Burke, head of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, wrote the city Wednesday expressing concern over the city's policy.City spokesman Jason Lamers said the park doesn't normally levy a fee for unscheduled events that are smaller than 100 people. However, the request to allow the portable toilet on park property for an extended period triggered the fee because the city would have to make sure it could be moved if someone paid to reserve the park for a scheduled event, he said."The policy says priority will be given to an event for a paid reservation," Lamer said. "When folks begin to put amenities on our park, we have to have some formal agreement on who's responsible for that."Members of Occupy Fort Worth said Thursday that they decided not to keep the toilet, in part because the number staying overnight isn't enough to warrant one. A local cab driver recently offered late-night rides to a public restroom for protesters spending the night, they said.Lamers said the activists are working well with city police and parks staff."They can continue to express their opinions at Burnett Park within the hours and regulations of Burnett Park," he said.Andy Taft, president of Downtown Fort Worth Inc., which manages the park, said his staff has had no trouble with the activists. He noted that an acoustic concert planned for today at the park will go on as scheduled. The protesters agreed to keep from making too much noise, Taft said.Aman Batheja, 817-390-7695Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
