Controversial Ordinance on Public Camping Faces Opposition in Athens
Community members in Athens gathered on August 4th to voice their concerns at a Mayor and Commission meeting, challenging a proposed ordinance that would restrict interference with pedestrian traffic and ban camping in public areas.
Malcolm Howard, who attended the meeting, expressed his opposition to the ordinance in an interview with WUGA reporter Havivah Saltz. Howard highlighted the precariousness of homelessness, stating, “I’m just gonna try to point out the reasons why they should try to solve the issue instead of trying to push it to another county, or try to get rid of people who have been displaced. A lot of us don’t want to be homeless, because like me I’m without a home and I don’t choose to want to do this. It’s just a matter of circumstance, and you never know – People could be in a situation tomorrow, today, maybe one check away. Living is harder now than anything else.”
Tim Denson, a former mayoral candidate, also addressed the meeting, arguing that the ordinance effectively criminalizes homelessness.
Despite the opposition, Mayor-elect Dexter Fisher, representing District 5, defended the ordinance, citing concerns from the business community. Fisher questioned, “A lot of us live in neighborhoods or in communities. Would we want the same type of camping going on in our own community? And the answer will probably be no because you end up calling the police. So, why should we expect our business owners to accept [when this happens to them]?”
The meeting concluded with a vote, where the Mayor and Commission decided 6-4 against the ordinance, to the applause of the attendees. Commissioners who supported the ordinance included Fisher, Allison Wright of District 4, John Culpeper of District 7, and Mike Hamby of District 10.
