Panhandling issue draws impassioned testimony
By Stephanie Kist
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Akron City Council continues to consider legislation that regulates where and how panhandling can occur.
Following a meeting packed full with the testimony of supporters and dissenters, council’s Public Safety Committee asked for more time before recommending passage or defeat of the legislation.
Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth said the legislation aims to create a heightened feeling of safety for those who work and visit downtown Akron, which is the largest employment and entertainment center in Summit County.
“This legislation arises out of a lot of things we’re doing to make downtown a better place,” Lieberth said.
The legislation would require panhandlers to register with the Akron Police Department and to wear an identification badge issued by the city for free. Those who have been convicted of criminal offenses for panhandling in the past would be precluded from registering.
Panhandling also would be restricted
from occurring within 20
feet of any financial institution, ATM machine and entrances
to the Akron Civic Theatre, Canal Park or Lock 3 Live!
Park. Panhandling at any sidewalk café also would
be prohibited.
Passage of the legislation also
would enact an educational effort by Downtown Akron
Partnership (DAP) regarding appropriate ways to assist
Akron’s homeless and hungry population.
Kimberlee McKee, president of
DAP, said surveys have indicated that panhandling is
one of the top reasons residents don’t utilize
downtown Akron.
“There is a definite decline
in downtown luncheon business,” Lieberth added.
McKee said similar legislation
is working well in the city of Dayton.
“They feel so far that
it’s been positive for them,” she said.
A similar ordinance in Cincinnati
is being tested in federal court.
Business owners and representatives
from the Akron Police Department, Akron Civic Theatre,
Lock 3, Haven of Rest and the Akron Art Museum all testified
in favor of the legislation.
“It’s difficult to
tell the difference between need and greed,” said
the Rev. Ben Walker, executive director of Haven of
Rest.
One of the objectives of the
legislation is to encourage residents and visitors to
donate the money they would give to panhandlers to Akron’s
social service organizations instead.
Dan Dahl, executive director
for the Akron Civic Theatre, Lock 3 and E.J. Thomas
Performing Arts Hall, said patrons and board members
have expressed their discomfort with coming downtown
because of panhandling. Lieberth
added that panhandling is a citywide issue, not just
a problem downtown. Reports of panhandling also come
in from Wards 1, 6 and 7, as well as Acme No. 1 in Ward
8, he said.
During public testimony, Jared
Kiehl, who owns self-serve car washes in West Akron,
concurred, saying many of his customers refuse to return
because they’ve been approached by panhandlers
at his businesses.
Officer Ed Latchaw, a downtown
beat cop for 10 years, said he knows all the daytime
panhandlers (about five to 10 regulars, he said) because
he’s arrested most of them. He knows they aren’t
homeless and they don’t go hungry, he added.
The legislation also drew criticism
from two men who attended the meeting to speak against
it.
Brian Davis, executive director
of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, said
the legislation would violate individual rights and
is very offensive.
The legislation’s passage
would result in a “scarlet letter” being
put on someone who has trouble with substance abuse
or mental health issues and who feels the only alternative
is to beg for money on the street.
“This is a really bad law,”
he said.
Akron resident Dana Williams,
who is a member of Akron Food Not Bombs, agreed, saying
the legislation adds to the stigma people already feel
when they ask for help.
“Who are we to say what
a legitimate use of money is to someone else?”
he asked.
Councilman Bob Keith (D-Ward
8) questioned the consequences of violating the proposed
new laws. He said it would be better to get people the
help they need than to issue a citation and court summons.
“The end result is,
they’re still not off the street,” Keith
said.
Lieberth said violating the panhandling
regulations would result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
He stressed that the best way to defeat panhandling
is to stop giving money to panhandlers.
In other business at the regular
council meeting, council voted to go out for bids for
the first phase of the Highland Square Redevelopment
Project, which includes relocation of storm and sanitary
sewers and a water main and replacement of water mains
in West Market Street.
The next City Council meeting
is scheduled for June 26 at 7 p.m. in city council chambers,
on the third floor of the municipal building, 166 S.
High St. Committee meetings are scheduled to begin at
2 p.m. that afternoon, also in council chambers.
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