NEWARK, Ohio — Newark City Council will vote Monday night on controversial legislation that would impact how the city handles the issue of homelessness.
The ban on camping would make it illegal to sleep on public sidewalks, streets, alleyways, parks, benches or any other publicly owned property, including under bridges.
The ordinance cites individual and public safety.
Anyone who violates the law could face a minor misdemeanor for the first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for any following violations.
Proponents of the ordinance declined interviews and referred 10TV to the prior city council meetings.
On Sept. 16, members of city council said it would be important to continue looking at supplemental ways to support people who are homeless and encourage them to seek help.
“I don't know if any one person has all the answers, but I know moving forward maybe we can work towards something,” said Mark Labutis, chair of the public safety committee.
The ordinance is expected to pass on Monday.
Bill Cost Jr. believes he is the only council member who will vote “no."
“I don’t see where jail is going to solve the issue,” he said.
Cost said homelessness has long been an issue in Newark but he does not see the camping ban as a true solution.
“It is not this narrow little problem but we are trying to give it a narrow little answer,” he said. “I am realistic enough to realize we will always have homeless and we will always have poor, but I don’t think it is a crime to be homeless or be poor, that you are put in jail or charged a fine that they will not have the money to pay.”
He hopes the council will have more meetings with non-profits and social service groups that are tackling homelessness on the ground. He is glad that the legislation at least has people talking about the issue.
“Hopefully that moves it forward to better ideas,” Cost said.
The city council meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Monday.
Council members are also expecting public comment on the issue.