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Boards direct staff to draft overnight-camping ordinance after concerns about encampments and shelter conditions
Summary
Planning board requested a ban on overnight camping in public spaces; selectmen discussed enforcement limits and the town's relationship with a local shelter and state authorities.
The Skowhegan planning board asked the selectmen Wednesday to pursue an ordinance prohibiting overnight camping on public property and to review further measures aimed at reducing visible encampments in town.
Why it matters: Board members and residents described recurring encampments in parks, boat launches and riverfront spaces and said the public spaces have accumulated trash, needles and human waste in some locations. Officials said the visible conditions are harming residents’ sense of safety and undermining the town’s presentation to visitors and potential investors.
Board discus…
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