Philly ban on outdoor food programs set for Friday

May 31, 2012 at 8:42a.m.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A ban on feeding the homeless in Philadelphia’s parks takes effect Friday.

The city moved in March to ban community and church groups from distributing meals to the homeless in public spaces, including the area of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where many of Philadelphia’s museums are located.

Homeless advocates and other outreach groups say the city wants to keep the homeless out of sight as the new Barnes Foundation museum opened to visitors. But businesses in the area have long complained about public defecation, urination and crime in the feeding areas.

Mayor Michael Nutter says the city wants to get the homeless indoors where they can get medical and other services.

Signs have been posted prohibiting outdoor feeding. Repeat violators are subject to $150 fines.