Dozens pack a town hall debating proposed stream camping ban in Colorado Springs

For years people experiencing homelessness have camped along streams and creeks in Colorado Springs for years.

But now, Colorado Springs City Council is considering a ban on camping within 100 feet of waterways, citing high levels of E. Coli in Fountain Creek watershed.

Dozens packed a town hall to debate the ordinance Thursday night, where comments were mixed.

“There are so many aggressive homeless people living on the creek that I now feel my safety is in jeopardy,” Kimberly Bloomer said.

“If we are going to address the issue of homelessness, then our attention should be paid on services and affordable housing,” Beth Roalstad said.

The meeting was for the city council to get an idea where the public stood on the issue.

“We have to figure out how to get our arms around the whole issue. This might be one solution, one step, but certainly not the only one,” City Council President Richard Skorman said.

Council is expected to take formal action on the proposed ordinance in two weeks.