Privately Owned Public Spaces: What are the Rules?

Site of the Occupy Wall Street protests, Zuccotti Park is a privately-owned public space. Lisa W. Foderaro explains the difference between this and a public park, and why it works for the protests.

1 minute read

October 14, 2011, 6:00 AM PDT

By Judy Chang

"Even those privately owned public spaces that do not have curfews may still impose "reasonable" rules regarding behavior, however.

Brookfield Office Properties, the owner of Zuccotti Park, recently posted new rules against camping, lying on the ground or benches, and using sleeping bags, but up until now those rules have not been enforced.

Enforcement would fall to the building's management company, Professor Kayden said, but if park users refuse to comply, the management may call on the Police Department for help, as it has in an effort to clean out the park."

FULL STORY: Privately Owned Park, Open to the Public, May Make Its Own Rules

Thursday, October 13, 2011 in The New York Times

Government / Politics History / Preservation New York Parks New York City Public Protest Privately Owned Public Space View More

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