Government
BY COLBY FARR
Community feedback prompts look at panhandling, camping ordinances
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Another ordinance would clarify that camping is prohibited in any publicly accessible outdoor area unless designated otherwise. Erwin Park, located in North McKinney, is currently the only city park that has designated camping areas, according to the city’s website. The ordinance would apply citywide and also expands the de nition of camping to include staying or sleeping in a vehicle overnight. A third ordinance would outlaw “aggressive panhandling” across the city. If approved, the ordinance would prohibit panhandling or soliciting in an aggressive manner such as using violent or threatening gestures, or intentionally blocking the path of pedestrians or vehicles. During a regular meeting held Sept. 16, council members approved the panhandling ordinance and tabled the other two ordinances until Oct. 21.
McKinney City Council’s Aug. 19 work session included discussion of three ordinances that could impact the city’s homeless population within the downtown area and other parts of the city. The proposed ordinances, if passed by council, would amend chapters 70, 74 and 78 in the city’s code of ordinances, according to a presentation from Assistant City Manager Jennifer Arnold. One ordinance would outlaw the ability to sit or lie down on a public sidewalk, street or alleyway within the downtown area. A person would only be allowed to sit on a chair, bench or architectural feature supplied by a public agency or property owner. Exceptions would be included for medical emergencies and ADA compliance.
Breakdown of cases involving homeless encampments by district Most cases concerning homeless encampments occur in city council district 1.
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4
121
75
380
13% 12%
5
58%
NOTE: PERCENTAGES ARE THE PROPORTION OF CASES THAT OCCURRED IN THE INDICATED COUNCIL DISTRICT
17%
121
N
SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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