Occupy Charlottesville, a small local movement in solidarity with a national protest against corporate greed, obtained a permit Tuesday from Charlottesville Parks and Recreation, allowing the group to remain in Lee Park in downtown Charlottesville past the 11 p.m. curfew to continue its protest.
The move comes a day after the group addressed Charlottesville City Council, which endorsed the movement during its meeting and urged the activists to obtain the permit so they could continue to protest lawfully.
The group must get a new permit every three days, but City ordinances guarantee renewal unless another group wishes to protest at the park, City Attorney Craig Brown said.
"What we've asked them to do is re-apply for every three days, but what we are going to do is waive the fee," City spokesperson Ric Barrick said.
Members of Occupy Charlottesville expressed mixed feelings about how the permit will affect the movement going forward.
"I think [the permit] shows the City does support us ... and the spirit of what we are doing," said Jamie Dyer, Occupy Charlottesville member and City resident. "It will free up time in the group to figure out what we're going to do next."
Other members noted that obtaining the permit was simply a formality.
"The permit didn't really change anything," said Zac Fabian, a former University student and member of Occupy Charlottesville. "All it did was prevent ... the police from harassing us ... It's just a piece of paper."
The group will be expected to keep the area clean, follow City ordinances, such as those which prohibit open-air fires, and avoid obstructing sidewalks for pedestrians, Barrick said.
Moving forward, the movement remains committed to advancing its message locally.
"Really, we've had enough," Fabian said. "All of us share that same sentiment. We care about community relations. We care about personal relationships"
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