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After hours of testimony, Lawrence council adopts anti‑camping ordinance with outreach and due‑process provisions
Summary
Following a lengthy public hearing with service providers, residents and people with lived experience, the council voted to adopt a proposed anti‑camping ordinance that city leaders say emphasizes offers of shelter, notice, interagency outreach and enforcement as a last resort.
The Lawrence City Council adopted a proposed ordinance Nov. 18 that would prohibit unauthorized camping on city property and in public rights of way except when emergency shelter space is unavailable (item 5‑55‑51‑24). The adopted text (read into the record at the start of the hearing) defines “camping,” “camp materials,” sets notice and offer‑of‑shelter requirements, allows for removal and temporary storage of personal property, and authorizes enforcement by the Lawrence Police Department and other authorized officers under applicable Massachusetts law.
The public hearing drew more than a…
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