Should Burlington create an ordinance to keep panhandlers off downtown streets?

Posted May 24th, 2010 by Dave Reaville

From the Burlington Police Department on May 4:

In response to a variety of complaints and concerns about persons seated, laying down, and in a host of other stationary positions on the sidewalks in the downtown, we are requesting the creation of a pilot project including a new ordinance to create a pedestrian right of way (the sidewalk in front of businesses and buildings) to enhance public safety and provide unencumbered passage for all pedestrians, including those who are frail or who have disabilities.

The proposed “right of way” would extend six (6) feet from the edge of buildings onto the sidewalk and mirror the provisions now in place within nine (9) feet of buildings on the Church Street Marketplace. We propose to make the ordinance effective upon passage with an option to revisit its effectiveness within a specified period of time at the Council’s discretion.

What's your view?