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Findlay council votes down downtown loitering ordinance after lengthy public testimony
Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony from business owners and residents, Findlay City Council voted against Ordinance 2025‑134, a proposed ‘unlawful congregation’/loitering ordinance. Supporters said it would protect downtown businesses; opponents called it vague, likely unconstitutional, and harmful to people experiencing homelessness.
Findlay — Findlay City Council declined to adopt Ordinance 2025‑134, a proposed ordinance regulating “unlawful congregation” in downtown public spaces, after extended public comment and a roll‑call vote that produced a majority of recorded “nay” votes.
The vote followed public testimony from residents and business owners on both sides. Christopher Chilcote of Findlay for All urged council to vote no, saying the ordinance “criminalizes marginalized people,” raises constitutional concerns and fails to address root causes such as addiction, untreated mental‑health issues and lack of stable housing. Chilcote proposed non‑criminal alternatives including a single business outreach hotline, a dedicated downtown outreach…
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