Ashland City Council tackles downtown behavior

Ashland, Ore. — Tuesday night Ashland City Council members tackled issues relating to behavior downtown through three different ordinances.

Councilors approved an ordinance to prohibit aggressive panhandling. The ordinance bans people from approaching people within 20-feet of an ATM or eating at outdoor cafes. It will become a law in 30 days.

City Councilor Carol Voisin said dozens of people have expressed their discomfort with how they were being approached for money by some transients and members of the homeless community in the past. Anyone who violates the new rule could face a fine of up to $350. Voisin said she’s not sure the ordinance will fix the problem.

“We can’t keep pushing them out it’s not going to work, so let’s find out who they are, let’s accomodate them in some important ways that makes a difference to them and I think their behavior will change,” she said.

Councilors also approved proposals to ban smoking downtown and people from gathering and blocking sidewalks. Those will go to second readings on May 3rd.