CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The city of Charlotte is giving permission to a coalition to hold a massive protest the weekend before the start of the Democratic National Convention this summer.

The long-awaited permits are being issued after the Coalition to March on Wall Street South collected petitions with more than 1,000 names demanding that the city approve the Sept. 2 protest. The petitions were handed to city leaders this week.

Coalition spokesman Ben Carroll said Wednesday that organizers have been pressuring the city since filing the permit paperwork eight months ago.

He called it a victory but says the coalition still wants Charlotte to take other measures, including repealing a new ordinance that tightens security during what the city calls extraordinary events.

The convention is being held in Charlotte from Sept. 4-6.