Revised Springs ‘sit-lie’ ordinance draws praise, criticism
A re-branded effort to curb loitering in downtown Colorado Springs is drawing support and criticism from familiar corners.
Mayor John Suthers supports the renamed Pedestrian Access Act, which would make it a crime, punishable by up to a $500 fine on first offense and up to 90 days in jail on second offense, to sit on curbs and sidewalks downtown.
Proponents say having a large number of people sitting and lying on curbs and sidewalks creates safety issues and hurts the image and economic vitality of downtown.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which has opposed similar efforts in the past, says it still isn’t convinced. It released the following statement Monday (1/11/15):
“The ACLU of Colorado opposes any new laws that make it a crime to use public spaces, especially those that disproportionately target people who are homeless or living in poverty.
While the Council has responded to resounding public rejection of the ‘sit-lie’ concept by attempting to rebrand the proposal and to soften some of its more absurd elements, there is still no public safety justification for making it a crime to sit.
The Council, the police, and the courts should focus their time and resources on actual crimes with actual victims, not rounding up and harassing people who are doing nothing more than sitting.”
The first reading of the proposed ordinance was scheduled for January 26. If passed, there will be a 60-day educational grace period during which warnings will be given before any citations are issued.
