BATTLE CREEK (WKZO-AM) — Battle Creek City Commissioners split 4 to 5 on a proposed ordinance to restrict panhandling within city limits when it came up for a preliminary vote. It’s been controversial with the Commission and the Public.
It essentially regulates how, when and where panhandlers can operate, banning them from proximity to public restrooms and ATM’s, any place where lines may form, intersections and the entrances and exits of buildings.
It also bans them from approaching anyone in a manner that might frighten or terrorize a citizen.
The ACLU has warned Battle Creek officials twice that the federal courts have ruled that such restrictions violate the first and 14th amendment rights of panhandlers.
One commissioner has proposed a resolution that would set up a task force to look deeper into the issue to find alternatives. That will also be considered this evening.
