Beaufort rule would keep people from sleeping in public parks. Here’s what’s proposed
Beaufort leaders are preparing to ban camping in public spaces, a response in part to complaints of more people sleeping in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
A new ordinance would ban camping in city streets, parks, parking lots and other public areas. The camping definition includes putting down bedding, storing belongings and cooking.
City leaders also took a first step to prohibit “aggressive panhandling” that would make it illegal to repeatedly solicit someone after being declined or to use threatening behavior while asking for something.
City Council unanimously approved both ordinances on a first vote Tuesday. A second vote is required for the rules to into effect.
Violating the ordinances would be a misdemeanor heard in municipal court, with penalties up to a $500 a fine and up to 30 days in jail. Both would be enforced only after warnings and repeat offenses, according to the documents.
People sleeping in Waterfront Park drew attention last year as a volunteer led a coat drive for people she saw in the park. The seven acres on the Beaufort River includes a playground, green space and pavillion that provides shelter and electricity and is an attractive spot for those without homes or who otherwise choose to stake out a spot.
City policymakers and police said they were being careful about not forcing people from the park who weren’t clearly breaking laws because of federal court precedents protecting rights to public spaces.
City manager Bill Prokop said problematic panhandling isn’t limited to downtown.
Police have received 55 calls specific to panhandling during the past year, interim Police Chief Dale McDorman told council members. Of those, eight were downtown and four on Lady’s Island. The remaining 43 were in other areas of the city such as the businesses and shopping centers along Robert Smalls Parkway, McDorman said.
The panhandling rule seeks to draw a distinction between asking for money or food, which is seen as protected free speech, and behavior that could intimidate or cause someone to fear for their safety, city officials said.
“This ordinance is for aggressive panhandling,” Prokop said. “People have hard times, they need some food, that’s a different story.”
This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 12:10 PM.
