6/14/2012 - West Side Leader
     

City to offer education on laws; violators will be fined

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Akron City Council decided to enforce existing laws on panhandling and educate both panhandlers and the general public about resources that can help those in need instead of amending current laws.

Public Safety Committee Chairperson Mike Freeman (D-Ward 9) said at the June 11 Akron City Council meeting the issue on panhandling came under review after new legislation was introduced in June 2011 that sought to amend existing legislation to prevent panhandlers from standing within 100 feet of an intersection or traffic light to solicit donations.

The matter came to the forefront after city officials received a number of complaints about panhandlers and several accidents involving motorists stopping to hand out money to panhandlers, said Freeman.

Committee member Jeff Fusco (D-at large) stressed the matter had become a safety issue.

Freeman said committee members and officials from the Akron Police Department (APD) and Law Department, as well as the Summit County prosecutor, have been looking over the issue.

APD Lt. Terry Pasko said he drove around the area to assess the extent of the problem and acknowledged, “there has been a rapid spread of this type of behavior [panhandling]. Suddenly stopping to give money can create a dangerous situation.”

Council President Marco Sommerville (D-Ward 3) called the matter “a delicate issue,” adding that while many who stand in the streets asking for a donation need assistance, others are “professionals.”

Councilman Mike Williams (D-at large) expressed concern that high school students who are fundraising for school causes have now begun to emulate the panhandlers by standing in the streets and asking those who drive by to donate money.

Assistant Law Director Steve Fallis said he has reviewed Akron’s existing laws and found the city currently has three applicable laws that address issues related to panhandling. One prohibits people from being on a street or highway while panhandling, another prohibits anyone from being in the right-of-way of a freeway to accept contributions, and a third prohibits a motorist from slowing down or stopping, and thus impeding traffic, unless required by law.

Fallis suggested instead of creating more laws or amending current ones, police should “step up enforcement” of these current laws, which are aimed at both panhandlers and those who make contributions.

APD Lt. Charles Brown said community police officers will step up enforcement, but first they plan to educate both panhandlers and the public on the matter by distributing a pamphlet that includes information about resources available to help those in need and current laws on panhandling.

“This [effort] is not entirely a free pass,” he added.

After the education component has been completed, which Pasko said would take about one month, panhandlers or motorists breaking a law could be fined $150. A second offense would result in a $250 fine and three days in jail.

“Akron is not alone in struggling with panhandlers,” said Fusco. “This [education] is the right approach.”

Freeman asked that the proposed amendment be filed, but stated the issue could be revisited in the future if necessary.

In other business, Council adopted a resolution supporting the creation of the Summit County Land Reutilization Corp. and an application by the county for Moving Ohio Forward Grant funds.

The grant program offers almost $3.8 million, with the first $500,000 requiring no match and the rest requiring an equal match in funds, for the demolition of abandoned, vacant or blighted structures.

The ordinance permits the city to set aside up to $800,000. The second part of the ordinance would allow the property to be placed into a land bank for redevelopment.

After a public hearing, Council approved the construction of a five-story, retail/residential building on East Exchange Street between Allyn and Sumner streets. The $15 million project would create 124 rental units for university students and a first floor of retail shops.

Council next will meet June 18 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, located on the third floor of the Akron Municipal Building, 166 S. High St. Committee meetings begin at 2 p.m., also in Council Chambers.

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