Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newton adopts 'urban camping' ordinance after police cite 175 calls in 2023
Summary
The Newton City Council unanimously adopted an amendment to Chapter 66 adding Section 66-18 to address 'urban camping' after Police Chief Vidal Sipe reported the department handled more than 175 related calls in 2023; council members said the measure can be revisited if problems arise.
The Newton City Council on Tuesday adopted an amendment to Chapter 66 of the City Code adding Section 66-18 to address so-called "urban camping."
Police Chief Vidal Sipe told council the Newton Police Department received more than 175 calls for service in 2023 related to people sleeping in or storing belongings in public spaces and that officers sometimes have lacked legal enforcement options when individuals refuse to move. Under the adopted ordinance, officers would issue verbal warnings and could pursue criminal charges for subsequent violations.
Council Member Beverly Danner asked how the ordinance would affect people who accidentally fall asleep at bus stops or benches and whether individuals would have access to retrieve belongings. Chief Sipe said the effort is targeted at repeat noncompliance rather than incidental sleepers; council members agreed the ordinance could be revisited if implementation needed adjustment.
The ordinance passed unanimously. The city clerk’s office holds the adopted text and the council noted no immediate enforcement changes beyond the new ordinance language.
