There was a mixed response Tuesday night when nearly 70 individuals signed up to express. Their views at a meeting of the Mercer Island City Council on the city’s proposed public camping ban. Mercer Island Approves Public Property Camping Ban.
City council members voted to ban tents on city land following three hours of mixed public commentary. Referring residents to homeless shelters in other cities.
City council members voted 6-1 to support the ban following about three hours of public debate. The only “no” vote was Councilmember Craig Reynolds.
“I would like to suggest that you walk the streets of Seattle. If you have any doubts about the need for this ordinance,” said Bonnie Godfred, a resident of Mercer Island.
But Washington’s American Civil Liberties Union and some Mercer Island citizens believe this new ordinance criminalizes the weak.
“I think we need policies and regulations to reflect the changing values of Mercer Island. So, Where I believe the large majority of people want to live in a diverse, inclusive. So, equitable, and welcoming place,” said Robin Li, co-founder of Mercer Island.
So, Camping is now has prohibited in parks in the city. The proposed ordinance extends the ban to cover all land, including highways, in the town. Anyone camping on the streets or other property on the Eastside will be guided to shelters.
They will be charged up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in prison if anyone breaks the ban. Therefore, The town will not impose the ba if there is no room at any of the collaborating shelters.
Supporters think that raising safety issues can better link individuals in need with essential resources.
“Our town is liable for ensuring our green spaces, parks, bicycle ways, and its municipal center and framework from dangers to general wellbeing and security,” one resident said.
A petition has signed by Robin Li and other community activists. Seeking to persuade city officials to delay voting.“I feel like we can slowly inhale, venture back, converse with local area accomplices and sort out if there is another arrangement,” Li said.
Li suggests that through social care, not police services, the city should solve social issues. Mercer Island Approves Public Property Camping Ban.
Senior Hannah Heydon of Mercer Island High School rejected the ordinance and endorsed the concept of suspending the ballot.
To put forward a different specific way to stop rising homeless numbers rather than passing something that would criminalize homelessness. I am against the homeless ordinance and wish it has been postponed,” said Heydon.”
The new ban will take effect, according to ordinance records. Five days after it is reporting the city’s local press.