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Rule Banning Panhandlers From Occupying Busy Roads Gets Mixed Reviews

Josh James
/
WUKY

Lexington leaders and local law enforcement are raising concerns about the effectiveness of the city’s year-old Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Ordinance, a measure meant to curb intrusive panhandling on bustling roadways.

A police spokesman told an Urban County Council committee Tuesday that 182 citations were issued since August 1, 2017 against alleged violators of the ordinance, which bars people from walking out into 75 heavily-traveled roads. But several council members say the ordinance hasn't stopped complaints from residents.

"People basically say to me... why are we not doing something about this that will make a difference?" Vice Mayor Steve Kay told Assistant Police Chief Dwayne Holman. "They don't see the result."

The council’s hands are largely tied by last year's state Supreme Court ruling striking down the city’s panhandling ban on First Amendment grounds. That led to a limited pedestrian safety ordinance, one Holman warned hasn’t always held up in court.

"If we don't get support in court with these cases, then it's just a matter of time before that word gets out and then it's going to be completely ineffective," the assistant police chief said.

Councilman Richard Moloney suggested Tuesday that the council look into issuing permits for panhandling.

The city has explored a variety of different avenues to discourage the practice, from signs encouraging citizens to donate LexGive.com rather than handing out money to panhandlers to a bus program that picks up panhandlers interested in working for $9 an hour on city cleanup projects.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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