Council considers ordinance to regulate camping and encampments on public property

Councilors discussed PL109-26, a proposed repeal and replacement of Article 25 (sec. 25‑5) of the Olean code to regulate camping, sleeping and encampments on public property. A sponsor said the measure is intended to give police a non‑criminal pathway to address encampments and protect public spaces, such as the river trail, without treating all situations as crimes.

"This will allow our police officers that see that there might be an issue to approach this situation not as a criminal behavior, but more so a conduct within our city in the public right way," a council member said during the discussion. Council members asked staff to clarify how the measure interacts with private‑property affidavits for business owners and requested a playbook for outreach and services for people living outdoors. The mayor and other councilors emphasized balancing public access, safety and environmental protection of parks and trails.

Council moved to refer the ordinance to resolution with instructions to return in two weeks with revised language, funding and scope. Staff cautioned the ordinance will need careful drafting to align with state law and to include procedures for business affidavits and enforcement steps before removal.