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Chillicothe council hears broad public opposition to proposed camping ban; first reading advances, tabling attempt fails
Summary
At a March 10 Chillicothe City Council meeting, residents urged the council not to criminalize homelessness as the council held a first reading of a new 'prohibited camping' ordinance (chapter 555). Speakers urged housing-first responses; a motion to table the legislation failed for lack of a second.
Acting President Payne presided over the March 10 Chillicothe City Council meeting as the council held a first reading of an ordinance to add chapter 555, “Prohibited Camping,” to the city’s codified ordinances.
The item drew more than 20 public commentators during the meeting’s lengthy public-comment period, many urging council members not to criminalize people experiencing homelessness and to prioritize shelter and supportive services instead. “Whereas shelter and sleep are basic human needs,” resident Beverly Wilkes said, reading portions of an alternate draft ordinance she said she emailed to council. “Criminalization of homeless citizens is not a solution but a deterrent to ending homelessness.”
The nut graf: The measure (agenda item 12)…
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