KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) -The City of Kalamazoo Criminal Code has been tweaked to decriminalize certain misdemeanors, over the objections of two downtown business women who believe using the street as a bathroom should remain a crime.
Public urination was one of several misdemeanors that have now been downgraded to civil infractions, in an effort to update and make criminal statutes more equitable in the city.
They are still violations, but now punishable only by a fine.
Becky Bell and Sherry Emery, who run shops on the Kalamazoo Mall say the homeless use the downtown as a bathroom.
Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman says the solution isn’t jailing or fining the homeless, but instead giving them a place to live.
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Chris Preadel says too many in the Black and brown community have suffered losses because they have a misdemeanor on their record.
Mayor Dave Anderson pointed out that criminalizing the offenses hasn’t stopped them either and a bigger discussion is needed on the concerns of downtown businesses.
The ordinance changes were approved unanimously.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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