In downtown Akron, perception is reality. Statistically, downtown is the safest area in the city. Yet even small incidents can turn visitors away, damaging still-fragile efforts to restore vitality.
That's the context for considering a proposed ordinance to register panhandlers, requiring them to wear ID badges and banning begging in busy areas. Even with existing laws on aggressive begging, panhandling remains a top concern for businesses.
The proposal does invite skepticism, even opposition from advocates for the homeless. A similar ordinance in Cincinnati is tied up in court. In Dayton, police had novelty seekers request badge ``007.''
Still, cities elsewhere are trying to restrict panhandling as they rebuild. The proposed Akron ordinance, resembling Dayton's, was not dreamed up after one session with angry merchants. Among major cities, Indianapolis, Denver, Atlanta, Miami Beach, San Francisco and Portland have taken action. Akron has seen a fairly steady rise in municipal court cases since a law on aggressive panhandling passed in 1994.
After years of trying and millions of dollars in public and private investment, the city cannot afford to let panhandling get out of hand, driving away visitors to downtown. Would the proposed ordinance suddenly transform the streets? The experience in Dayton, a similar city, suggests that won't be the case. But the police department would have a tool to clear ATMs, banks, street cafes, Canal Park, Lock 3 and the Civic Theatre. Registration would include a background check, barring those with recent panhandling convictions from getting a badge.
Registration would also provide an opportunity to steer panhandlers away from the streets and toward help. The Downtown Akron Partnership wisely plans an accompanying information campaign to steer donations to organizations, not individuals.
A combination of efforts is necessary to energize downtown. A revised panhandling law represents an additional approach to reaching that important goal. |
