United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20242
November 9, 2000

Ms. Concepcion Picciotto
P.O. Box 4931
Washington, D.C. 20009

Mr. William Thomas
Ms. Ellen Thomas
2817 11th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001

Dear Ms. Picciotto, Mr. and Ms. Thomas:

This responds to your 15 applications (00-1792 through 00-1798 and 01-0190 through 01-0197) seeking use of two areas in the southern portion of Lafayette Park to demonstrate from November 13, 2000 to March 3, 2001. As you may know, it is time again for construction activities to commence for the reviewing stands and other components for the 2001 Presidential Inauguration. Just as in past Presidential Inaugurals, the National Park Service will be closing portions of Lafayette Park for these construction activities, beginning with the southern portion of Lafayette Park that you have requested. Enclosed, for your ready reference, is a copy of the National Park Service closure notice dated November 9, 2000.

Because the activities associated with these closures do not reasonably permit multiple occupancy, pursuant to 36 C.F.R.§ 7.96(g)(4)(iii)(A)(D), neither the public nor demonstrators are permitted in the closed fenced sections of Lafayette Park and the White House sidewalk. Once an area is fenced and closed, persons demonstrating or otherwise in a closed area should remove themselves and any personal property immediately. During this time period, the National Park Service proposes an alternative site for demonstration activity that may be displaced. Consistent with Park Service regulations, persons wishing to continue demonstration activity may use the remaining open park areas until closed or the northeast portion of Lafayette Park which will continue to remain open throughout the Presidential Inaugural.

Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely
(signed Rubard Merryman)
Chief, Division of Park Programs
Enclosure: NPS Closure Notice