More Information On Proposed Camping Ordinance

By: Mireya Garcia

COLORADO SPRING- Nobody may be able to camp on public property soon, unless they have a permit.

The Springs Police will present the new proposed ordinance to City Council on February 8th, and it is meant to deal with the growing homeless camps in the area. Bob Holmes of Homeward Pikes Peak tells NEWSCHANNEL13 the ordinance is necessary, but that it shouldn’t be enacted unless there are options for the campers. Several homeless advocacy groups have been working together, along with the community, to make options available. Holmes says that 175 additional people could be helped if the ordinance does pass. There are about 200 chronic homeless in the Springs.

The City Attorney’s Office is helping CSPD draft the ordinance to ensure that is remains constitutional. The Assistant City Attorney says the proposed ordinance for the Springs will be similar to successful ordinances passed in other cities that were questioned, and then upheld.