Proposed ‘Sitting Ban’ in areas of Colorado Springs
A new proposal could ban people from sitting on streets and sidewalks in downtown Colorado Spring and Old Colorado City.
If passed, the ordinance would ban sitting, lying, reclining and kneeling on city streets and sidewalks in the right of way.
It would apply to specific areas in Old Colorado City and downtown Colorado Springs.
City council says the proposal is not aimed at any specific group. Council members said they want to make sure the busy sidewalks and streets are clear and safe.
But some think the possible ban targets the homeless.
“People like me with the backpacks, sitting around and trying to panhandle … we would be the ones that would be primarily targeted with that. You see a person like me and you know I’m homeless, then it’s ticket time,” a homeless man Christopher Serbeniuk said.
“It’s going a little too far in my opinion. I do see a lot of people sitting, and I wish people were mindful. Besides begging and asking for money I’ve never been harassed,” said Natalie Taylor, who often visits the downtown area.
Business owners in Colorado Springs say groups of people sitting outside their stores keeps customers away.
“There have been people sitting out there since the first day this store opened and it’s impeding our business. People are scared to walk here. At night there are 20 or 30 people just sitting outside,” said Nate Metzler, a manager at the 7-Eleven in downtown Colorado Springs.
City council members have received many complaints from other businesses as well.
“My heart goes out to those who are truly homeless and are trying to better their situation, but the people who sit out here are not. I’ve just seen too much,” said Metzler.
“I think there’s a bigger problem to address. Maybe Colorado Springs needs to provide job clinics to get people off the streets in a healthier way. Not banning sitting. They’ll move somewhere else. It’s going to move the problem somewhere else,” said Taylor.
On Monday, City Council is discussing the idea at a work session with no public comment.
If you want to share your opinion you can go to the meeting on Sept. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the city auditorium.
