BLUEFIELD, W. Va. -The City of Bluefield‘s “camping ordinance” had its second reading on Tuesday. The City of Bluefield first read its “camping ordinance” back in October, with a town hall meeting held later in the month. This ordinance hopes to stop people from sleeping on City property such as sidewalks, parks, and public buildings, with the goal of curtailing potential growth in Bluefield’s homeless population. While the city does not currently have a large number of homeless people, city leaders say this is meant to be a proactive step.
“Really, it is our… process in the city to humanely address the homeless issue, and, as discussed in the town hall… it is not a massive problem in our city yet, but it is one we are trying to address,” City Manager Cecil Marson explained during the reading.
The ordinance declares that people found repeatedly camping on public property face fines or potentially jail time. However, first-time offenders are given a warning and information about getting the help they need.
Daniel Wells, a City Board member, says, while there were critics initially, the town hall meeting helped the City calm fears that people might have had.
“…It’s not designed just to fine people, it’s designed to actually give people help, get them in rehabilitation programs, get them in substance use disorder programs, that way we can provide support they need, so they can stand on their own two feet, right? So, that was the focus, and I think the community was very appreciative of that, rather than us trying to throw them in jail or something like that. It was very supportive, and we appreciate the community for that,” says Wells.
Wells says they were encouraged by the positive feedback given by the community. There were no opposing voices at the ordinance’s second reading, and the ordinance passed unanimously.
If you would like more information on this ordinance, Wells says you can find it on the City of Bluefield’s website or by getting in contact with City officials.
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