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Public criticism and council defenses follow Hagerstown ordinance that prohibits sleeping in public
Summary
Public commenters at the July 22 Hagerstown Mayor and City Council meeting urged the council not to criminalize homelessness and called for resources; council members and the police chief said enforcement is intended as a narrowly targeted, resource‑oriented tool and that the recently adopted ordinance will be monitored and evaluated.
Dozens of residents and business owners told the Mayor and City Council of Hagerstown on July 22 that an ordinance prohibiting sleeping and camping in public will criminalize people experiencing homelessness without providing sufficient shelter or services.
Curtis Ray, a Hagerstown resident, told the council he supported measures to address public drug use and encampments but said "we actually need to try and address this issue and not just have people scared to bring their kids outside." He said many people in public spaces are still using drugs and that existing nonprofit services require sobriety, which prevents some people from accessing shelter.
Several other speakers echoed that position. Jack Trumbull, who moved to Hagerstown six months ago, said the city has…
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