EVERETT — Mayor Ray Stephanson’s administration is expected to bring back a controversial ordinance that would prohibit panhandling in many parts of the city.
The City Council rejected a similar ordinance that was brought forward in the spring, that critics said would criminalize homelessness.
The American Civil Liberties Union also weighed in and threatened to sue the city if it passed.
The new ordinance that the council is expected to take up Wednesday night seeks to recast the rule as one that protects people from feeling threatened.
The city code already prohibits begging that either obstructs the free passage of people or causes someone to fear being harmed or victimized by a criminal act.
The new ordinance is part of a slate of initiatives Stephanson’s administration is launching that will also include up to $1 million in funding to hire five new police officers, two social workers and another prosecutor.
However, since the initiative was announced last month, the city’s legal staff already have had to dial back some of the more prohibitive measures because of recent court decisions, city communications director Meghan Pembroke said.
Proposed language that would have banned panhandling within 50 feet of an ATM or bank entrance, for example, is not expected to be part of the city’s proposal, at least not initially.
What the proposal does do, Pembroke said, is treat panhandling that is perceived to be a threat the same as other misdemeanor threats, which can be punishable by jail time.
“We’re trying to balance this,” Pembroke said. “This is one of the number one complaints for people, they feel threatened and we want to address it.”
Another part of the city’s proposal is to have the police conduct an outreach program with area businesses, informing them of the new ordinance and funding option, and remind them of their rights as private property owners.
The city is proposing setting up a dedicated fund that people will be able to contribute to as an alternative to handing out cash to panhandlers on the streets.
That fund would help support some of the city’s other initiatives, Pembroke said.
Last month, when Stephanson first announced his intent to move forward on these issues, he also itemized a number of longer-term proposals, such as establishing work-crew programs for low-level offenders, and building 20 permanent supportive housing units over the next two years.
Most of those initiatives do not need City Council approval to enact.
Chris Winters: 425-374-4165; cwinters@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @Chris_At_Herald.
City Council meeting
City staff will present the new panhandling ordinance to the Everett City Council Wednesday. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. in William E. Moore Historic City Hall, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
