Occupy Providence has been camping out in Burnside Park since October 15th.
RIPR file photo
A Providence city councilman says he plans to introduce an ordinance that would allow Occupy Providence to remain indefinitely in Burnside Park.
Mayor Angel Taveras has said Occupy Providence can't remain in Burnside Park indefinitely due to safety issues. The city has pledged to take legal action to remove the occupiers, but Ward 10 Councilor Luis Aponte of Washington Park says they should be allowed to stay.
"I'm asking my colleagues to support it. It basically asserts that it is a peaceful assembly," says Aponte. "And it's a legitimate First Amendment right that these folks have to air their grievances and they should be allowed to stay there."
Aponte says he thinks Occupy Providence is expressing the frustrations of what he calls "everyday people." He expects his proposal to be heard by the council on November 17th.
Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@wrni.org.
© Copyright 2012, RIPR
