TACOMA, Wash. —City leaders in Tacoma are considering an expansion of its homeless camping ban to include areas around parks, schools, libraries, and permanent shelters.
The city already prohibits tents within a ten-block buffer zone of temporary and emergency shelters, as well as within 200 feet of protected bodies of water. That law was passed three years ago.
Areas near schools, shelters, and daycares are also off limits.
Councilmember John Hinesdrafted that measure and is now asking colleagues to consider additional areas where homeless camps won’t be allowed.
Hines wants to extend the ban around permanent shelters and create a two-block no camping zone around schools, parks, and libraries.
The closure of three shelters this past summer has left areas where the buffer zones no longer apply, and city leaders said safety complaints from the public have been mounting.
Critics argue the ban criminalizes homelessness and doesn’t help create additional shelter or housing options.
Violating the no-camping ordinance can result in a 30-day jail term, as well as a $250 fine.
Those penalties would remain, but under Hines’ proposal, people caught camping in prohibited areas could opt to attend Therapeutic Court, where they could have their charges dropped if they engage in services.The Tacoma City Council will have a first reading of the proposed camping ban ordinance at its meeting on Tuesday, which starts at 5 p.m.
트위터 공유: 타코마 학교 주변 캠핑 금지 확대 추진