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Astoria council rejects ordinance to create enhanced enforcement zones after hours of debate
Summary
A proposed ordinance that would have allowed the city to restrict access to small groups of people defined as repeat offenders failed on a 3-2 vote after a months-long review and a lengthy council debate that split members over effectiveness and equity.
The Astoria City Council voted down a proposed ordinance to establish “enhanced enforcement zones” and limited-access orders after a contentious council debate and months of public input.
The motion to hold a first reading of the ordinance was made by Councilor Adams and seconded by Mayor Fitzpatrick; the roll call vote was Davis, Mazzarella and Lum voting no and Adams and Mayor Fitzpatrick voting yes, and the motion failed.
The ordinance would have allowed the city to limit access to defined downtown areas for people found to have committed listed offenses. Supporters said the measure was narrowly targeted at a small number of “bad actors” whose behavior — including repeated violent and nuisance acts — has harmed other unhoused residents, seniors and downtown visitors. Mayor Fitzpatrick said the ordinance was “a small step” that gives law enforcement tools to protect public safety and to encourage people to accept services. “We have to give them the…
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