The Ottawa City Commission is considering an ordinance to make it illegal to camp or or store personal belongings in a public right-of-way, such as parks, industrial or residential areas, or infrastructure such as the levy. City Attorney Blaine Finch told commissioners that the ordinance isn’t just about homelessness:
The proposal was met by opposition from Blessing Box Director Julie Riggins and Franklin County Coalition to End Homelessness Organizer, Brett Staneslow, who both believe the new ordinance was directly aimed at the homeless population in the area. The commission agreed to hear more from the two and have them present some compromises to the ordinance to be more friendly toward the homeless population.
