EVERETT, Wash. —City leaders in Everett could extend a law that criminalizes sitting or lying on public property as well as expand aStay Out of Drug Area (SODA) ordinanceto include an area with a pattern of narcotics activity.
The so-called“no sit, no lie” law prohibitspeople from sitting or lying down in large portions of Everett’s downtown area. It also bans people from passing out food or other supplies to people in those areas unless they have a permit.
The “no sit, no lie” law is set to expire at the end of December and council members are considering a two-year extension on these buffer zones.
Supporters see the buffers as a way to reduce the impacts of nuisance crimes on surrounding businesses as well as service providers and shelters, while still allowing police and city social workers to address the needs of homeless people.
However, the approach has been criticized by homeless individuals and some nonprofits working in the area.
It targets people who have nowhere else to go, according to opponents.
People who violate the ordinance could face jail time and a fine of up to $500.
SODA zones ban people accused or convicted of drug crimes from entering those areas again. They were first implemented in 2007 and there are now about a dozen SODA zones spread throughout the city.
Council members are looking to add an additional prohibited area along Colby Avenue between Pacific Avenue and 36th Street.
Data included in the city council agenda shows there have been 55 calls for service related to substance abuse in the past two years and 66 drug arrests. The area also has a high number of overdoses, some of which have been fatal.Both ordinances will be taken up by the Everett City Council on Wednesday.
트위터 공유: 앉지 않으려면 떠나라 에버렛 시 확장 단속 강화