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Denver's proposed camping ban passes council on first reading - The Denver Post
This is something that has caused a ton of discussion here in Colorado so I wanted to see what some of you folks think about the issue.
I have been to downtown Denver countless times. There are a number of homeless people around. They do harass people. They beg for money. They impede business. Some are crazy and it shows. I don't recall ever being threatened by them but I do try to avoid them and certain businesses and areas where they are more abundant. If I were one of those business owners who customers were avoiding I would be pretty upset by losing customers and business. Also from what a lot of people around here say they do get violent and demanding when you do not give them money and many people I know refuse to go to downtown Denver at night. (it is nowhere near as bad as some other big cities)
On the other hand, if you dont have a home where do you go? Can you really criminalize homelessness? Many people on the streets have no other option.
This is something that has caused a ton of discussion here in Colorado so I wanted to see what some of you folks think about the issue.
A divided Denver City Council voted early this morning to preliminarily approve a homeless camping ban after almost five hours of discussion and testimony that ended after the vote at 1:35 a.m.
Opponents believe this measure will criminalize homelessness, that it was drawn up without community involvement and that there aren't enough services in place.
But proponents say the issue has put a problem into stark focus. They say without it, there wouldn't be 200 more shelter beds for the summer or a plan to create a 24-hour resource center for homeless. But many said the law is necessary because people are choosing to stay away from doing business downtown.
I have been to downtown Denver countless times. There are a number of homeless people around. They do harass people. They beg for money. They impede business. Some are crazy and it shows. I don't recall ever being threatened by them but I do try to avoid them and certain businesses and areas where they are more abundant. If I were one of those business owners who customers were avoiding I would be pretty upset by losing customers and business. Also from what a lot of people around here say they do get violent and demanding when you do not give them money and many people I know refuse to go to downtown Denver at night. (it is nowhere near as bad as some other big cities)
On the other hand, if you dont have a home where do you go? Can you really criminalize homelessness? Many people on the streets have no other option.