City Taking Steps To Prepare For DNC Protests
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The city is mulling over eleven requests for permits to protest during the Democratic National Convention in July, and has already approved five.
Officials are trying to avoid the mass arrests that marked the Republican Convention in 2000.
The city hopes most of the protestors will congregate in a few large areas, where it will provide them with misting tents, water and restrooms. It's extended the hours in FDR Park -- close to the Wells Fargo Center, where the convention will be held -- to 10 p.m., but will not permit camping there.
The American Civil Liberties Union says it's concerned the city might crackdown on protests without permits. Attorney Molly Tack-Hooper says it normally does not:
"When we asked the city to just confirm that position in writing, they sort of walked it back."
A city spokeswoman says it usually doesn't disrupt peaceful protests, but urges permits so police can manage traffic and safety.
The city denied just one permit request because it included a march down South Broad St. However, she says there's no blanket ban on Broad Street demonstrations.
Four of the pending applications include a march down Broad.