Hampton council defers camping and storage ordinance after hours of public comment; staff to convene stakeholders

Hampton City Council on Tuesday voted to defer final action on ordinance 25-0170, which would have prohibited camping, sleeping, or storing personal belongings on city-owned public property. Councilman Bergman moved the deferral; the roll call was unanimous: Councilman Bowman, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilwoman Campbell, Councilwoman Farrabee, Councilwoman Harper, Councilwoman Mugler and Mayor Gray all voted aye.

The ordinance drew more than two hours of public comment from service providers, academics, faith leaders and residents who urged the council to focus on housing and shelter capacity rather than criminal sanctions. Dozens of speakers asked the city to expand year-round shelter options and to coordinate services before adopting legally enforceable penalties.

Why it matters: The proposal, supporters said, was intended to give officers authority to require people who are camping on public property to move when their presence creates…