BATTLE CREEK (WKZO-AM) — There will be an ordinance regulating panhandling in Battle Creek in ten days.
After hearing an hour of public comment both for and against the controversial proposal Tuesday night, Battle Creek City Commissioners narrowly approved the measure by a one vote margin.
Those supporting the measure said these people aren’t homeless and poor, they are scam artists and criminals, often feeding a drug habit. They use intimidation and threats against women and hurting business in Downtown Battle Creek.
But opponents say the Commissioners really haven’t done their homework and don’t know who the panhandlers are or how to fix the problem.
They say all the negative publicity the issue has gotten may have done more to hurt businesses than the panhandlers by making the downtown area sound scary.
Commissioners also approved an ordinance regulating loitering that some find objectionable and overly restrictive.
Police Chief Jim Blocker says he now has ten days to train his officers how to enforce the new ordinance before it takes effect. He admitted they may not issue citations often using the new ordinance, but it gives them a tool to use
The ACLU has sent two letters warning Battle Creek officials that similar ordinances around the country have been ruled unconstitutional, because they create zones in public spaces where some people are permitted and others are not, and limits what they can say and how they say it.
