Juneau assembly debates narrow "shelter safety zone" near Teal Street services; motion to introduce ordinance fails 4-4

A proposal to create a targeted “shelter safety zone” around the Teal Street service campus drew extended discussion at the Aug. 4 meeting of the Juneau City and Borough (CBJ) Assembly Committee of the Whole and failed on a tie vote.

Assemblymember Bryson moved to direct staff to draft a Juneau protection ordinance patterned on Bellingham’s approach and return it to the committee for discussion. The motion failed 4–4 after a roll call vote: Assemblymembers Bridal, Hall, Wall and Deputy Mayor Smith voted yes; Assemblymembers Adkisson, Kelly, Steininger and Hughes voted no.

Supporters said the measure was aimed at protecting patrons and staff at providers clustered on Teal Street from drug dealing, aggressive behavior and other criminal activity that, they said, has reduced access to services. “We haven’t protected the patrons. We haven’t protected the staff,” Assemblymember Bryson said when introducing his motion.

But the city attorney cautioned that ordinances drawn to exclude or restrict conduct in a way that targets…