City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment

Occupy Colorado Springs Permit Renewal Denied

November 21, 2011 By

Mayor Bach Denies Occupy Colorado Springs Permit Renewal

Mayor Steve Bach has denied the request of Occupy Colorado Springs to renew its revocable permit allowing the private use of the public right-of-way adjacent to Acacia Park, and has further ordered a 45-day City moratorium on issuing any new, similar permits.

For the past month, the Occupy group has staged a protest adjacent to Acacia Park, including erecting tents and canopies along the sidewalk.  City Code requires that the permit site be kept safe, clean and orderly.  This permit requirement, among others, has not been met. 

In a letter to the group, the City detailed six specific reasons for the Mayor’s decision.  During the moratorium, City staff will review the impact of such permits on public infrastructure, general City operations and the public interest, and recommend future policy to the Mayor. 

“While protecting First Amendment rights, we must also ensure the public health, safety and welfare in our community,” said Mayor Bach.  “ We have received many complaints, our public safety resources are being taxed, and Downtown is being negatively impacted.”

The Mayor’s decision may be appealed to the City Council.  In the meantime, protestors may continue to protest, but must remove all structures, including, but not limited to, tents, tables, chairs, port-o-lets, and all free-standing signs, by 11:59pm, MST, Sunday, November 20, 2011.

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City Issues 30-day Permit to Occupy Colorado Springs

October 21, 2011 By

City issues 30-day revocable permit to local Occupy Wall Street Group

The City of Colorado Springs is issuing a 30-day revocable permit to allow the Occupy Wall Street protestors in Colorado Springs to maintain their current location while the City continues to assess public safety, health and welfare impacts.

The location is immediately next to a favorite gathering spot for children and families as well as being adjacent to a high school. The City thinks it is important to assess whether the protestors are having a negative impact on children and families in the community. It is a high-use area for the entire community, recreationally and commercially for retailers and small businesses.

The City is not aware of any permit having been issued for this type of activity for any extended amount of time. To the City’s knowledge, longer term permits have previously only been issued for permanent structures, such as awnings on restaurants.

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