Pre-G20 Rally at the Point Nixed

State Senator Jim Ferlo of Highland Park says his application for use of Point State Park as a “free speech zone” before the G20 summit has been denied. Ferlo says police are planning to use the area next to the fountain as a helipad for security agencies. He says police may also apply to the state to allow them use of the Fort Pitt Museum as a public safety headquarters. Ferlo says as a board member of the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, there’s no way they would approve such an idea.

Ferlo says the decision “doesn’t leave much room” – he plans to team up with the American Civil Liberties Union and take his case to the Pittsburgh federal court early next week. He says it would be unfortunate to be forced to take demonstrations to the streets; earlier talks with police led him to believe using the Point would be a viable option.

Ferlo says a few similar efforts, such as a peaceful religious gathering and a demonstration from the Thomas Merton Center, have also had their permit requests denied.