COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado Springs Police and Code Enforcement officers took to Acacia Park after Mayor Steve Bach chose not to renew permit requests by "Occupy Colorado Springs" protesters.
Both agencies went to Acacia Park around 1 a.m. Monday to begin removing the "Occupy Movement's" structures.
At 11 p.m. Sunday protesters were given two hours to remove their structures.
While some items were removed, many of the structures remained standing.
The dismantling process took officials about an hour and a half as about 50 protesters kept watch chanting and sometimes taunting officials. Protestors said they felt violated by police.
"All of our hard work torn down over nothing?" Amber Hagen, a protestor, said. "Our rights violated, our things destroyed and taken away from us? I feel violated. I don't know who to trust."
Officers said they were prepared for the verbal onslaught some of protesters may throw their way. However, only one protester has been arrested so far.
Officers said 23-year-old Nicholas Galetka violated city code multiple times Monday afternoon when he first left tables set up in the park, then set them up on the grass of City Hall.
In a letter to the "Occupy Group" the city detailed specific reasons the mayor decided not to renew their permit that would have allowed the group to keep their structures standing.
A release states while protecting first amendment rights, the city must also ensure public health, safety and welfare in the community.
Members of the movement can continue protesting as long as they do not set up any structures.
The mayor's decision may be appealed to the city council.
To read Mayor Bach's letter to Occupy representative Kristie Wheeler, click here
To read Mayor Bach's letter to City Senior Planner Ryan Tefertiller, click here
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