Time to move on

The Gazette Editorial Board

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At its peak, hundreds of protesters crowded Iowa City's College Green Park to express their discontent with the current state of things as part of Occupy Iowa City.

Today, only a handful of people remain in the park.

That wouldn't be reason enough to deny the group's application to renew its permit to occupy the public space. Still, Iowa City officials were right to deny its renewal this week. Current conditions show the group didn't hold up its end of the agreement.

Iowa City officials have handled the Occupy situation well, respecting free speech while also drawing a reasonable line on when it's time to shut down the encampment.

Now it's time for Occupy Iowa City to move on.

When protesters converged on the park in early October, inspired by the Wall Street protest and its offshoots around the country, they set up dozens of tents along the park's east side to bring attention to issues such as student debt and unemployment, corporate entitlements and wars abroad.

By city ordinance, the park is to be closed overnight, but city officials allowed them to stay - granting an exception to the rules as a “spontaneous event.”

Once it became clear that Occupiers were in it for the long haul, they issued the group a four-month permit to occupy the space, providing they address important health, safety and park access issues.

Occupiers agreed to maintain the park and regularly move tents to avoid damaging the grass. That hasn't happened.

City officials estimate it will cost more than $2,000 to restore the grass alone, and repair work needs to begin in early March. There have been problems, too, with drinking, fighting and litter.

That behavior isn't about free speech, it's irresponsible, and it's interfering with the rest of the public's access and enjoyment of the park.

The city has asked Occupy Iowa City members to remove themselves from the park by Feb. 29 so they can begin restoring it.

The group can appeal that decision to the City Council, but they shouldn't bother. Occupy can find other ways to make themselves and their grievances heard.

It's time to return College Green Park to its regular public use.

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