Panhandlers in heavy traffic areas raise concern
Panhandling in Colorado Springs is spreading from street corners to medians in busy streets, according to two members of the City Council.
Merv Bennett and Andy Pico said the number of panhandlers in shopping center entrances, construction zones and other high-traffic areas is increasing.
The reason for the trend is unclear.
“But we’re not sure what to do about it,” said Bennett, the council president. “Our hands are tied. Whenever we’ve tried to restrict panhandling, we get slapped down and threatened with legal action. I’m going to talk with the mayor (John Suthers) later this week and see if he has any ideas for a solution.”
“A lot of those panhandlers have dogs with them,” Pico said. “We’re concerned about them getting hit by traffic. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
According to some social service agencies, many panhandlers use the practice to earn a living and are not in enough need to seek assistance at those agencies.
Agency officials worry that those panhandlers are taking donations from people in greater need, and recommend that instead of giving money to panhandlers, residents donate to agencies that serve the homeless and others in need.
“Sometimes we tend to hand blind aid to folks who are simply (seeking) a hand out, and we don’t really understand that sometimes what we’re doing really is more hurtful than it is helpful,” said Stu Davis of the Springs Rescue Mission.
In a related matter, police said enforcement of the Pedestrian Access Act that began April 9 has resulted in four citations, four verbal warnings and a written warning.
The ordinance was designed to curb loitering downtown and in Old Colorado City.
Police issued the citations on the first day of enforcement when four people intentionally violated the ordinance during a protest.
The written warning, police said, was issued when a woman brought a bed to a downtown sidewalk in protest of the ordinance.
“Generally (most homeless and panhandlers) are sitting on the planters or doing what they’re supposed to be doing downtown, rather than being on the sidewalk,” said Sgt. Scott Whisler. “So it’s been a good situation. A lot of voluntary compliance.”
The four violators of the ordinance are scheduled to appear in court May 3.
