Update: Cincinnati Parks amends rules. Potluck for the People will not be charged

Cameron Knight | Cincinnati Enquirer

The Cincinnati Parks Department amended its rules a day after the organizers of an event providing free services to the homeless said park fees would end their Potluck for the People.

In a statement Friday, Cincinnati Parks said moving forward events that "provide free community services" would have permit fee waived. Spokesman Rocky Merz confirmed that Potluck for the Poor organizers, Triiibe, would not have to pay for past for future events.

Since February, Potluck for the People has been held on the last Sunday of the month in Piatt Park to give food, medical care, counseling, clothes and even haircuts to those in need.

This month, the Cincinnati's Parks Department sent the group a $450 bill to Triiibe for its May event – a fee organizers said would shut down future events.

Triiibe (True Representation of Intellectual Individuals Invoking Blvck Excellence) is made up of three activists and hip hop artists: Aziza Love, Siri Imani and PXVCE.

Love took to Facebook let people know Potluck for the People was being threatened.

"We are now being ordered to pay $500 every month to give resources to the people that this city has disregarded," Love said in post.

Love told The Enquirer the event has been very successful, serving about 200 people in May with all volunteer support.

The group attempted to apply for a permit with the Parks Department in April, hoping the permit fees would be waived, but the department told them they would have to pay.

Then Imani's mother received a bill by email for $450. Love said it would have been $500, but the group didn't use city electricity in May. They brought their own generators after the city shut power down to the park during an earlier event.

The Parks Department issued a statement Thursday after The Enquirer and other media outlets asked about the situation.

On Thursday, Cincinnati Parks said it would review the matter and attempt to find a "win-win solution."

It appears that solution was found Friday. Parks Department officials said the United Way and the Parks Foundation have stepped up to support events like Potluck for the People.

"We're thankful for this opportunity to take a broader look at our practices," Director of Cincinnati Parks Wade Walcutt said. "Just because it's not the way we've always done things, isn't an excuse to continue doing them the same way."

Triiibe's next Potluck for the People at Piatt Park June 24.

"We're happy something is changing for the betterment of the city," Love said Friday. "It's opening doors for other charitable organization doing like-minded, like-missioned work."

Anyone interested in supporting the event can learn more on Triiibe's Facebook page or email the group at triiibe333@gmail.com.

Love added that anyone with spare clothes or food can bring them to Piatt Park on June 24.

"It will always be a space to come down and give what you can," Love said.