Public weighs in on proposed sitting ordinance
Where you can and can’t sit is causing a lot of controversy in Colorado Springs.
A proposed ordinance would bar sitting, lying, leaning, reclining or kneeling on streets, sidewalks, trails and objects in the area from 7 a.m.- 10 p.m., Monday through Friday and extend to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
In downtown, the proposed ban runs west to east from I-25 to Wasatch, and from north to south from St. Vrain to Cimarron streets.
Another zone in Old Colorado City would run east to west along Colorado Avenue from 21st to 31st streets and north to south from Pikes Peak to Cucharras.
Thursday night was the first chance for the public to weigh in, and it turns out many are split on the issue.
“What is the public safety issue sleeping in flowerbed off the right of way,” one woman asked at the meeting.
One man, who said not owning a home is a personal choice, said he’s being discriminated against.
“I’m tired of being pushed out. I was once in an RV and now I’m in a tent. Come hang me,” he said.
A downtown business owner said she’s afraid she’ll have to leave.
“I have photos of the sidewalk being blocked by trash, bikes, skateboards thrown in the middle of the sidewalk,” said Laura Williams, owner of Lane Mitchell Jewelers in Downtown Colorado Springs. “People having a drug seizure laying on the sidewalk.”
She said the problem has become so bad some customers won’t come in.
The maximum penalty for anyone violating the ordinance, should it pass, would be 189 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The possibility even had the mayor speak out.
“Laying on the sidewalk, obstructing sidewalks is not something we should tolerate simply because we have homeless in our community,” said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers. “It’s not just homeless… it’s youthful vagrants.”
Suthers wasn’t at Thursday night’s forum. And while everyone agreed there was a problem, they couldn’t agree whether this proposition is the solution.
Another public forum will be held Sept. 17 th at the Westside Community Center, 1628 W Bijou.
More opinions will be taken before the issue is addressed by the City Council again.
