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Chardon considers ban on panhandling
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - September 22, 2010)
Chardon considers ban on panhandling
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chardon is ready to put an end to panhandling.
Two weeks ago, City Council agreed to send a request to its legislative committee to look at an ordinance dealing with begging in public places.
The action was in response to recent activities on Chardon Square and the larger shopping centers in town.
Police Chief Timothy McKenna said he has been receiving complaints from residents over the past two years about panhandling that has occurred around the square and at the Walmart and Giant Eagle stores.
Council President Philip King, whose law office is on the square, said he has been aware of people who hang out and attempt to bum money or cigarettes from passers-by.
Councilwoman Deborah Reiter said such behavior creates a "fear" for those shopping in the areas who might be approached. She said, if the city wants to be business friendly and encourage them to come or expand, it should look toward such legislation.
A draft of the proposed ordinance states that "no person within the municipal limits shall wander about and beg or solicit money in the streets or from house to house, or sit, stand, or take a position in a public place and beg or solicit money from passers-by, either by words, the exhibition of a sign, by gesture, by singing, by playing a musical instrument, or by exhibiting articles such as shoestrings, lead pencils or cheap merchandise of any description."
The law also clearly states that an authorized person who solicits or seeks contributions or aid to benefit a religious, charitable or other nonprofit organization or educational institution will not be affected.
Mr. McKenna said most surrounding communities have "begging ordinances," but Chardon apparently hasn't had the problem until now.
He said offenses such as disorderly conduct were not appropriate charges to be brought against the panhandlers that have been part of the city scene off and on for the past two years. "We just didn't have anything appropriate," he said.
Mr. McKenna said the new ordinance will provide police with the tool needed to deal with the problem and make arrests, if necessary.
He told council he did not intend to take a heavy-handed approach to the problem. He said offenders will be given verbal warnings to move on. Only those who become persistent in their behavior will be arrested.
He said it is a similar approach the department takes for other minor offenses, such as dogs running at large. A warning is given first, before any formal action is taken.
Whether the recent begging is a sign of the economic times, neither Mr. King nor Mr. McKenna wished to make a guess. But, the problem has arisen and officials want to circumvent it from gaining steam.
Mr. King said he believes there should be some type of distinction drawn between those who are truly in need and those who are simply taking advantage of others.
"I think there is a difference between someone holding a sign, saying, 'Will work for food' or to feed their family," vs. someone saying, 'Do you have a dollar?'" he said.
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