Occupy Virginia Beach protesters stymied by red tape

VIRGINIA BEACH

The ragtag group of students, activists and local residents who want to Occupy Virginia Beach as part of the national anti-Wall Street movement have discovered that launching a protest movement here requires filling out stacks of paperwork and waiting for government approvals.

To stake out a protest site at Mount Trashmore, they need a permit and can stay at the park until about 5 p.m., when it closes. To use microphones at Town Center, they need to apply for an amplified sound permit in a city with a history of trying to muffle loud noise with ordinances.

To set up tents and stay overnight at Town Center, they need a permit and an exemption to the Beach's prohibition on camping out on city property.

Occupy Virginia Beach protesters have picketed and gathered in the ResortCity a handful of times, but they've stopped short of the full-fledged encampments that have marked protests in New York City, Norfolk and elsewhere nationwide.

The group submitted permits to set up a protest site at Mount Trashmore, or Town Center or the Oceanfront. They haven't decided which location - yet.

Ideally, they would like to be at Town Center, a hub of businesses, restaurants, hotels and condominiums.

"The protest is only effective if it's heard," said Tom Palumbo, a local activist and member of Occupy Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach officials say they are in discussions with protesters to ensure that their free-speech rights are observed and order maintained.

"I think we're trying to work with them to be reasonable and accommodate them," Mayor Will Sessoms said.

Protesters are allowed at the Fountain Plaza between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., said Rod Ingram, a city attorney.

But the city doesn't allow camping there, Ingram said.

Occupy Virginia Beach also asked to use the grassy block next to the plaza, but that is owned by the city's development authority and is being held for future development, he said.

While the city has allowed its events contractor to host Halloween activities, a movie night and an art and wine festival on the lawn, no third parties have been given access, Ingram said.

Beach officials are reluctant to allow overnight stays because of a lack of rest-rooms and the need for security, Sessoms said.

Beach officials will review the permit applications and hope to respond to the request by Monday, Ingram said.

Norfolk officials have allowed protesters to set up tents downtown, said Lori Crouch, a spokeswoman for the city.

Protesters have been responsible for providing their own portable restroom, she said.

Norfolk officials have extended Occupy Norfolk's permit, which expired Friday, until Nov. 10.

"It's been very amiable," Crouch said.

On Thursday night about 20 protesters, some of them from Occupy Norfolk, huddled at Town Center, across from Brooks Brothers. They held signs that read, "Human need not corporate greed" and bemoaned the current political and economic state as businessmen spilled out of a nearby office tower and diners rushed to restaurants.

Palumbo told the group about a recent meeting between Beach officials and Occupy Virginia Beach representatives. City officials explained the time restrictions associated with being on public property, such as parks and the Town Center plaza, Palumbo told them.

"We said, 'There aren't time restraints on the First Amendment,' " Palumbo said.

The protesters lifted up their hands and waggled their fingers in "twinkle hands," a show of support.

Deirdre Fernandes, (757) 222-5121, deirdre.fernandes@pilotonline.com