LA supports new plan for stricter limits on homeless camps

The Los Angeles City Council voted on a proposal Tuesday that asks the city’s attorneys to draw up laws that would limit where homeless people can camp in public spaces.

In a 12-3 vote, the council approved a measure asking the city’s attorneys to draft new rules aimed at prohibiting homeless people from camping near schools, parks and libraries as well as other places deemed “sensitive,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

The proposal would also prohibit people from storing their possessions near facilities such as homeless shelters and public schools as well as putting up tent encampments on sidewalks if those walkways become inaccessible to wheelchair users.

The Times reported that the proposal voted on Tuesday had not been on the agenda ahead of time. Members had instead been poised to consider a separate anti-camping measure drawn up in October but that had failed to garner enough support.

Supporters of the proposal voted on Wednesday said it would serve as a more humane way to deal with the city’s homeless issues by limiting law enforcement involvement and one that sought to give homeless people 14 days to comply, the Times reported. They also maintained that it would help city residents get access to public spaces, particularly ones that might be blocked by tents and other belongings.

The three council members who voted against the measure in part cited the lack of shelter beds in the city. Councilman Mike Bonin also suggested the council be given a map showing where homeless people would be allowed under such a proposal.

“I don’t want people living in our parks. I don’t want people living in bike lanes,” said Bonin. “But if we’re going to say no to that, then we need to be saying where people can go.”