Despite accusations that the city is criminalizing poverty, the City Council [at its July 1 meeting] adopted a new ordinance that will ticket and fine, up to $250, anyone who “camps” on “certain public property” — a move that would largely impact the city’s homeless population. In a 3-2 vote — with the two Democratic commissioners, Dillon Moran and Minita Sanghvi, opposing the measure — the new ordinance bans sitting and lying down on city sidewalks, parking lots, garages, gazebos and easements. “It’s not humane to allow or encourage people to live on the streets,” said Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Coll, the Republican-backed official who proposed the measure, before the public hearing. “We must help individuals access safe housing and support them, reclaiming (their) dignity.” He also reasoned that the citation gets people into the city’s Outreach Court, connecting them with RISE Housing and Support Services, which runs the city’s shelter. However, the shelter currently has a waiting list for a bed. More in the Times-Union
Anticipating the vote, the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee passed a resolution at its June 15 meeting which states: The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee opposes any ordinance that criminalizes poverty and homelessness, including a camping ban. The statement was provided to all City Council members vie email prior to the public comment period.