June, 2007

Print Version PDF ==>

Protest Details:

Basic Plan is to have a group of people stand at both ends of this long sidewalk in front of the convention center (photo). We want to reach out to the CSTEers walking over from the Sheraton and those entering the convention center closest to CSTE sign in. We can only be in groups of 10 or less so we may break into more groups depending on the numbers who arrive.

Where we are allowed to stand 

• On the entire sidewalk in front of the Atlantic City Convention Center (CC)
• This sidewalk has no covering or shade. Bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun and/or rain.
• RR Station – Is located at one end of the CC. People can cool off and get out of the sun here.
• CSTE has rented out Hall A and several meeting rooms on the 3^rd floor.  This gives them sole use of the entire Atrium, 2^nd floor, 3^rd floor, sidewalk connected to the atrium and over walk. We are not allowed in any of these areas.
• Sheraton has said we are not allowed on any part of their property.
• We are not allowed on any roads nor can we interfere with traffic in any way. According to AC Police, groups of 10 or less won’t disrupt pedestrian traffic.

Seating

• There are many benches along the sidewalk we will be on. We will also rent a handful of wheelchairs. If people get too hot or need to get out of the sun there is plenty of seating in the train station which is very close to where we will be standing and is air conditioned.

Restrooms

• There are public rest rooms in the atrium of the CC. We are not allowed to do any protesting in the atrium or wear signs while walking through We DO NOT want to lose this convenience and will have to make sure it is clear to ALL OF YOU protestors that NO action is to be taken while walking to and from the bathrooms. There are also several restaurants about a block away that have restrooms.

Water

• There are no water fountains but we will bring a big cooler with water/drinks. There are also several places within a block that people can purchase drinks.

Food

• The train station is the closest spot to get food. There is also a Starbucks, Applebees and a Subway within two blocks. Food is a little pricey and if you have dietary constraints you should bring your own in a cooler.

Parking

• There is a clearly marked parking garage on the right hand side of the convention center which holds approx. 1,500 vehicles. The CC event organizers and the Atlantic City Police said they did not expect any problem with parking. Parking costs $10 for the first 4 hours and $1 every hour afterwards. We are allowed to park in there but we can not protest. 
• There is also an outside parking lot that is associated with the CC. It is located on the right hand side of Michigan Ave. right before you go under the Sheraton crosswalk. This is actually closer to the protest site than the underground parking garage. It is more costly - $10 first 4 hours and $5 for next 4 hours.
• There are other outside parking areas that only cost $5 for the day but they are about 4 blocks away. See Map ==>
• People can also park at the Casinos which are about 5 blocks away and they usually charge about $5 for the day.

Signs

• The plan is that Lyme Rights will make the signs for the protestors. This will ensure the message is consistent and professional. 
• Our target audience is the CSTE voting members (mostly scientists and doctors) at the convention. 
• We are not allowed to hang signs or place them all over the sidewalk. 
• People have to hold or wear the signs. We are allowed to affix them to the wheelchairs and lean them against the wall when people need to use the bathrooms.

Flyers

• We will be providing protestors with flyers to distribute. 
• Protesters can only hand them out on the sidewalk and if any are found on the floor of the CC atrium they will be thrown out.

Chants

• We can do chants as long as they are not violent or use profanity. No decision yet on possible chants or if we should do them.

Balloons

• They are allowed on the sidewalk but absolutely not in the atrium. We can tie them to ourselves and tie a few to the public benches or waste baskets. 
• It is going to be crowded that day and balloons are a good way to separate us from the general crowds and help protestors know where the two main protest sites are located.

Photos & Video

• There are no limitations on personal photography and video.

Transportation

• The bus station is located about 3 blocks away and the train station is attached to the CC.
• To get around Atlantic City they have mini buses called Jitney’s available right in front of the sidewalk we are protesting on.  They go to specific casinos and cost $2 per person. They are wheelchair accessible.
• Taxis are also readily available.
• It is 5 blocks from the CC to the board walk via the main road Michigan Ave. The crosswalks and sidewalks are all wheelchair accessible. 
• Here is an overall street map listing all the available parking http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/pdf/parking_map.pdf 
  Close up version of the area close to the CC with parking ==>

Other

• Wheelchair accessibility is top notch.
• Steel Pier looks like a lot of fun and is located on the boardwalk about 4 to 5 blocks south of Michigan Ave. This may be a little too far for some people to walk to & most will want to take a Jitney or a cab.
• There are a bunch of outlets within 2 blocks of the CC and plenty of restaurants for all ages.
• The public beach has beautiful white sand and is only 5 blocks away.
• We were surprised at how nice the city was and how much fun could be had. Consider staying an extra day to enjoy all the attractions.
• We will add information about hotels soon.