Based upon a quick google search of the "special event permit" for events that are classified as "promotion," Book Bike guy would have to pay $1,155 per hour rental fee to be allowed to operate the Book Bike. This is on top of a $35 application fee and a $2000 security deposit.
I'm sure he wouldn't have any trouble getting a permit provided he had the ability to come up with that kind of money. Which would seem nigh impossible for someone whose whole noble operation consists of giving things away.
Man the CPD is stupid.
Based upon a quick google search of the "special event permit" for events that are classified as "promotion," Book Bike guy would have to pay $1,155 per hour rental fee to be allowed to operate the Book Bike. This is on top of a $35 application fee and a $2000 security deposit.
I'm sure he wouldn't have any trouble getting a permit provided he had the ability to come up with that kind of money. Which would seem nigh impossible for someone whose whole noble operation consists of giving things away.
Man the CPD is stupid.
They are stupid, so let's get a good attorney and we can have a fundraiser and take care of it. Win or Lose that is the solution.
Marty, there are 2+ very competent attorneys offering their services pro-bono in this thread, who have already swung into action. There are plenty of threads that fall into the "unproductive ranting" category but this is not one of them.
cutifly said:The law is the law, right or wrong. You get someone who knows it, you pay them and the justice either sides with you or they don't. If you don't like that outcome, you appeal. If that does not work you either take it or do something else to change the law, which can be complicated of course, but that will resolve this. I believe in this guy and what he does and will cough up some money if someone can organize a fundraiser. I can guarantee $40, maybe more if I have a recent payout and I don't even know him, never seen him or heard about him until Doug posted this. No one ever comes to my parties so I will just pay up and let the social person deal with the fundraiser. That's all I can guarantee and I always come through when I say something. So we can rant all we want but that will not do much other than to entertain us on this site. The only attorney I know is Jerry Boyle and I do not even know if he deals with this type of stuff. Chris Drew is fighting a court battle as well and may be able to refer someone. If someone can get me a phone # for the book guy, I can call him and see how he feels about all this. If someone wants to contact me, send me a note. I help out people often especially when it comes to my time, so here we are. I spend at least 2 hours a week talking crap here and on Facebook, I can dedicate that time elsewhere without it affecting me. Word
notoriousDUG said:...I call BS that you donate to a cause which not long ago you criticized...
I didn't criticize the BookBike; I just expressed my appreciation for the CPD guy who attempted to assert some control of park activities by enforcing permit regulations. Because compared with parks in other big cities, I think activities in Chicago's parks are still pretty safe, well-behaved, and enjoyable for all. I think the BookBike would fit right in...and wouldn't have any problem getting a permit.
And despite your BS call, I DID write to Gabriel, offering him his choice of the thousands of books i have. His response, in part, was:
....I'm much obliged for the book donations offer, but I'll have to decline. Not
because I don't want books, but because the focus has changed to supporting
Chicago independent booksellers through this project. So official word for
The Book Bike is only financial donations [and]....just fresh books for the people from here on out...
notoriousDUG said:...I call BS that you donate to a cause which not long ago you criticized...
I didn't criticize the BookBike; I just expressed my appreciation for the CPD guy who attempted to assert some control of park activities by enforcing permit regulations. Because compared with parks in other big cities, I think activities in Chicago's parks are still pretty safe, well-behaved, and enjoyable for all. I think the BookBike would fit right in...and wouldn't have any problem getting a permit.
And despite your BS call, I DID write to Gabriel, offering him his choice of the thousands of books i have. His response, in part, was:
....I'm much obliged for the book donations offer, but I'll have to decline. Not
because I don't want books, but because the focus has changed to supporting
Chicago independent booksellers through this project. So official word for
The Book Bike is only financial donations [and]....just fresh books for the people from here on out...
Wait. "Regardless, according to this unidentified Chicago Park District official, I am not allowed to give books away for free without a permit."
Does anyone know if he has contacted the Park District directly? Some random unidentified person claiming to work for the Park Security does not constitute a binding order. If he didn't identify himself then Gabe has no way of confirming his authority on the matter. If the police haven't arrested him there is clearly no statute which makes what he is doing illegal. He should immediately call the park district and setup an appointment with someone. Department of Park Services - Permits Division: (312) 742 -5369
Chicago Park District Security (312) 747-2193
Also depending how it goes WE, as in every member of the Chainlink, may want to consider calling these numbers in mass letting them know what we think.
203 members
1 member
270 members
1 member
261 members