I have good news to report this afternoon! The proposed ordinances limiting panhandling and the sale of single beers in parts of Downtown have made it past their first hurdle. The City Council’s public safety and homeland security committee met this morning at 8:30 to consider the ordinances. I was not able to be there, but was told that a large number of supporters showed up, including Downtown residents and business owners, as well as representatives from the area’s neighborhood associations. Some people even had signs reading, “Want to Meet Them?” with mug shots and copies of outstanding warrants for some of Downtown’s most well-known panhandlers.
The next big date is April 13, when the full Council will vote on the ordinances at their 3:30 PM meeting. Once again, please put that date on your calendar and attend if at all possible. The Council needs to see widespread support from Downtown residents and business owners, as well as from people from other parts of Memphis who enjoy all that Downtown has to offer.
After years and years, the community is finally saying “enough is enough” to aggressive, abusive, inebriated panhandlers. I love it!