[Date Prev] [Date Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]
Some of you may have realized that next weeks meeting falls in the middle of the Republican National Convention. This will affect traffic near IQ, where we hold meetings. I don't believe this will cause any serious complications, but thought you should have this information. I belive this info should be accurate, although I don't know where it originated. I'm told this info is also in todays Metro. -----Original Message----- Sent: 7/20/2000 1:28 PM Subject: Republican Convention Info FYI: (#4 & #5 are most applicable) RE: Republican National Convention Monday, July 31 through Thursday, August 3, 2000 Important Information The Secret Service is taking the lead for the security of the event and is coordinating closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Federal Protective Service, Septa Transit Police, Historical Park Rangers, and the City of Philadelphia Police Department. Theses agencies have established a Multi-Agency Command Center (MAC), which will be located in the vicinity of the First Union Center, the location of the Republican National Convention. Although the Convention will take place at the First Union Center, there will be a great deal of activity in the City. Below are some specific plans for the week: 1. The north and south ramps to Interstate 95 on Broad Street will be closed to all traffic but official convention buses. 2. Septa's southern exits from the Broad Street Subway at Pattison Avenue will be closed. 3. Vehicle search stations will be established at Pattison Avenue on Broad, 10thStreet, Darian Street, and on Terminal Avenue. 4. Chestnut Street will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic between 5th and 6th Streets (a media center will be housed in that block). 5. Chestnut Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between 3rd and 4th Streets (the Today Show will be broadcasting live from that location each day). In addition to the closures listed above, the following items will be a factor in the state of the downtown area. 1. Various protests are being planned throughout the week. 2. It is anticipated that 45,000 visitors will be concentrated in Center City. 3. There will be a Political Fest at the Convention Center, which is expected to draw 20,000 visitors per day. 4. There will be 33 Governors present for the Convention. 5. Governor and Mrs. Bush, President Ford, Mrs. Bush, and the Vice Presidential nominee will be present. 6. Numerous foreign dignitaries will be present. The level of security will be intense. Specifically, the following actions will be taken: 1. The Secret Service will be in full force to provide overall Convention security as well as protection for the former Presidents and First Ladies, etc. 2. There will be a large State Police presence in the City for the protection of the 33 Governors. 3. Septa Transit Police will have additional officers at all stops between 30th Street and 2nd Street, as well as along Race Street, Vine Street, and Pattison Avenue. 4. There will be increased Philadelphia Police Protection who will be on foot, on bicycles and in cars. 5. The Philadelphia Courts will be closed throughout the week to ensure officers are not taken from the street to attend court. 6. Philadelphia Police will be present at every hotel in the City and State Police will be present at every hotel in which a Governor is staying. 7. FBI will have Intelligence and Investigative Centers with a focus on criminal activity. 8. Local television, radio and printed news will provide daily updates on route changes, traffic patterns, etc. 9. Septa will publish schedules and route changes. They will also update their web site with schedules and changes. The site is www.septa.org. Some tips for businesses during the Convention week. 1. Reduce or discontinue deliveries of equipment and supplies for the week. 2. Consider eating lunch in the office or cafeteria to avoid the crowds outside. 3. Avoid historical sites and parks. 4. Be alert to pick pockets - take only essential items such as cash when you are out on the street. One Liberty Place is permanently adding a guard to each of their night shifts. Also, during the convention week, they will be adding a guard to their day shift. END ______________________________________________________________________ Philadelphia Linux Users Group - http://www.phillylinux.org Announcements - http://lists.phillylinux.org/mail/listinfo/plug-announce General Discussion - http://lists.phillylinux.org/mail/listinfo/plug