City of Asheville Staff Emails: Occupy Asheville

From: Wade Wood

Subject: FW: Regarding Occupy Asheville

Date: 2011-10-04 20:29:42

To:

Can we discuss in the morning. I am afraid this may escalate to CMO,
however, I still don’t see that we can accommodate them with exceptions
to CO.







Wade Wood

Interim Chief of Police

Asheville Police Department

(828)259-5901



________________________________

From: davids@jbanetwork.com [mailto:davids@jbanetwork.com] On Behalf Of
David Stewart
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 7:12 PM
To: Wade Wood
Cc: Gary Jackson; councilgroup; Phil Kleisler
Subject: Re: Regarding Occupy Asheville



Mr Wood,



I am in touch with Ms Foster and I am aware of the city ordinances,
hence my effort to reach out and find a solution. So am I to be clear in
understanding that there is no safe place for us to set up camp without
legal repercussions? You have to understand this is not just a couple of
people. Last night there were 30-40 camped on the patio of the Mellow
Mushroom and it is my understanding that we can be there tonight but by
tomorrow we will have needed to find another place.



Our main concern I believe is the curfew ordinance surrounding the city
park areas, as these appear to be the only places we would be able to
occupy without impeding pedestrian traffic. Again, this is information
as I understand it after speaking with Ms Foster so please correct me if
I am wrong. She has since relieved herself of organizational duties
which is another factor in me reaching out to you. I look forward to
hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.



Thank you so much for your time and consideration.





Best in All,

David Stewart
Senior Account Manager
Blue House Works
828.232.0016 x226
davids@bluehouseworks.com




On Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 6:39 PM, Wade Wood wrote:

Mr. Stewart,



A meeting was conducted yesterday, Oct. 3, between APD Lt. Crawford, CRO
Jackie Stepp, COA Attorney Kelly Whitlock and a representative of the
Occupy Asheville Group – Jennifer Foster. Ms. Foster acknowledged that
the group has no leader; however, she is their attorney and has provided
us with a 24/7 contact number.



Ms. Foster was made aware of the various laws and City Ordinances that
apply to this group’s activities. She stated they would be compliant
with all laws and work with APD and the COA.



If you are not familiar with Ms. Foster I would be happy to forward your
phone or email information (with your permission), in order for you to
obtain more information concerning the meeting or their planned events.



Please let me know if you need further information.



Wade Wood

Interim Chief of Police

Asheville Police Department

(828)259-5901



________________________________

From: Gary Jackson
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 5:45 PM
To: Wade Wood
Cc: David Stewart; councilgroup; Phil Kleisler
Subject: RE: Regarding Occupy Asheville



Chief Wood:



Your assistance please in lining up a contact for Mr. Stewart.



Gary



________________________________

From: Gordon Smith [mailto:gordonsmith@avlcouncil.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 4:11 PM
To: Gary Jackson
Cc: David Stewart
Subject: Fwd: Regarding Occupy Asheville

City Manager Jackson,



Please read below an email from one of the people involved in the Occupy
Asheville effort. Could you please consult with APD to answer Mr.
Stewart's questions?



Thank you,



Gordon

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Stewart
Date: Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 3:02 PM
Subject: Re: Regarding Occupy Asheville
To: Gordon Smith


Gordon,

Thank you for your prompt response. The "occupation" has actually been
going on since October 1st, with a camp set up on Wall St for the 1st 2
days and last night they were forced to move to the patio of the Mellow
Mushroom. It has been difficult to coalesce due to a lack of a viable
central base of operations for fear of legal recourse. We are determined
to stay within the boundaries of the law and I am writing to you today
to ask where we can "occupy" safely and for an undetermined period of
time. Somewhere in Pack Square would be ideal but I am open to any other
suggestions. I believe there are curfew laws currently in place
preventing us from camping there or in Pritchard Park as it stands.



Best in All,

David Stewart
Senior Account Manager
Blue House Works
828.232.0016 x226
davids@bluehouseworks.com



On Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 2:55 PM, Gordon Smith
wrote:

David,



Thanks for writing and for your concern. The Occupy event is still
nascent, and I for one am entirely uncertain as to where it will go from
here. I have communicated with a couple of the organizers and let them
know that I will look forward to hearing an agenda emerge. I'm all ears.



Gordon



On Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 2:53 PM, David Stewart
wrote:

Mr Smith,

I've been following all of this very closely and have noticed a lot of
uncertainty about where this should be taking place. Has anyone
petitioned your office to ask where they should be doing this? I just
know there is a lot of frustration right now and people want to feel
like their voices are being heard. I think there is a lot to lose in
this moment by not facilitating an outlet for this frustration and by
marginalizing these voices. I would be happy to pass on any thoughts or
feelings you have in this matter.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best in All,

David Stewart
Senior Account Manager
Blue House Works
828.232.0016 x226
davids@bluehouseworks.com

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