Wilmington residents, ministers press council as leaders consider tougher public‑order ordinances

Dozens of residents and faith leaders urged Wilmington City Council to protect local shelters and avoid laws that would criminalize people experiencing homelessness, while the mayor and city attorneys said proposed public‑order ordinances aim to give police clearer tools to address illegal activity.

Reverend Elaine Silverstrom, a retired Episcopal priest and Wilmington resident, told the council she was “deeply concerned” about a proposed public‑code change and said existing responses by the Wilmington Police Department had been “admirably, superbly” handled in individual cases. “We have human beings who are real people, who are deserving of our compassion,” Silverstrom said.

The comment period included extended testimony from residents who volunteer at or support Sugar Tree Ministries, Hope House and Our Father’s Kitchen. Nancy McCormick described years of volunteer meal service at Sugar Tree; Mary (who identified herself as a hostess at Hope House) recounted the case of “Lisa,” a…