Bush visiting NYC today --- thought the City felt different

[fryguy]

I'd like to know why the let him land his helicopter in Central Park instead of at one of the several heliports in the City. Guess ruining the field and preventing those who would otherwise use the park on such a nice Spring day shouldn't concern him at all as long as he can get in and out as easily and quickly as possible......


Two limousines, one carrying President Bush, drive through Central Park in New York, Tuesday, April 24, 2007 after Marine One landed in a ball field in the park. Bush is in New York to visit a charter school in Harlem. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

[Nite Owl]

1. Weren't protestors denied

use of Central Park in '04 during the GOP convention because it would harm the field? Am I recalling this correctly?

[rusty charly]

2. yes

United for Peace and Justice sought to use Central Park as the site of its rally on August 29, 2004 for a variety of reasons. First, it is centrally located with adequate public transportation access. Second, it is the only place in Manhattan with large enough open spaces to accommodate a large rally. Third, the Great Lawn, as well as the North Meadow and the East Lawn, are ideal places for a large rally since, due to their shapes, all participants will be able to see and hear the speakers. Fourth, these are safe and comfortable environs, an important factor for a large rally, particularly in late August. Fifth, due to its central location, it allows UFPJ to bring its message to the people of New York. Finally, Central Park has historically been the location of major rallies and demonstrations.

On or about June 4, 2003, UFPJ filed a permit application with the New York City Parks and Recreation Department for a rally with stage and sound for the Great Lawn in Central Park. UFPJ estimated the number of participants to be 250,000. On or about December 31, 2003, UFPJ received a letter from the Parks Department stating that it was not able to make a determination as to the application at that time. The department indicated that "the presence of the Republican Convention . . . creates public safety issues which various city agencies must be prepared to meet. ... At the present time, it is too soon to know how many events are being planned and how many permit application will have to be considered for any given date and time. Consequently, decisions are being reserved until a date closer to the convention so that realistic decisions can be made concerning the number and nature of competing event."

At a meeting with the police department in late March, 2004 regarding the logistics for the planned march preceding the rally, UFPJ was advised that it would not get the use of Central Park because, it was claimed, only 80,000 people could fit in the Great Lawn. Plaintiff expressed surprise since it understood that the Parks Department would be making that decision and UFPJ had yet to have a meeting with them. The police agreed that such a meeting should take place.

http://www.rncprotestrights.org/complaint-1118932004.html