Youngstown council gets answers, will vote on anti-loitering law next month

YOUNGSTOWN

After asking questions and getting input from those working and living downtown, city council is prepared to vote on a proposed anti-loitering ordinance at its next meeting, July 13.

Council’s three-person safety committee met Thursday – though all seven of the legislative body’s members attended – to discuss the proposal making it illegal for people to sit, lie or loiter on any downtown sidewalk, street, public place or within 50 feet of the entrance door of a business or government agency.

Council chose at its June 15 meeting to discuss the proposal further before taking a vote.

Several council members said they back the proposal but are concerned about police officers being properly trained and that it could discourage people from coming downtown.

Councilman Julius Oliver, D-1st, whose ward includes downtown, said Thursday that he wants to “make sure the officers are trained enough as to how to approach [people]. We don’t want confrontation or to keep people away from downtown.”

Police Chief Robin Lees said the city’s law department will train officers on how to handle situations.

Read more about the situation in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.