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Residents, service providers urge council not to criminalize camping as anti‑camping ordinance is rescheduled
Summary
Multiple speakers at public participation urged the Lawrence City Council to delay or reject a proposed anti‑camping ordinance until the city identifies shelter and services; a planned public hearing has been rescheduled to Nov. 6, 2025.
Several residents and local service providers told the Lawrence City Council on Tuesday that a proposed anti‑camping ordinance risks criminalizing people experiencing homelessness unless the city first identifies housing and services for them.
Public commenters asked the council to delay the ordinance and to develop a coordinated plan for shelter, outreach and winter protections before clearing encampments.
The comments came during the meeting’s public participation period. Rosa Valerio, who gave her address as 11 Lawrence Street, said she had a series of questions about the proposed ordinance (item referenced on the…
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