Council OKs Laws Aimed at Homeless
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Seeking to maintain the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere in its business district, the Claremont City Council has approved laws making it a misdemeanor for people to drink alcohol or relieve themselves in public places.
The council approved the ordinances Tuesday after some residents complained that the safe, genteel streets of “the village” have become magnets for the homeless.
“We need to help the homeless, but we have to protect our properties and businesses. These new laws go a long way toward that goal,” said Mayor Suzan Smith.
City officials said the shopping area around College Avenue, adjacent to the Claremont Colleges, has seen a steady rise in the number of homeless people along its sidewalks and back alleys.
Claremont Police Chief Robert Moody said that unlike most cities, Claremont previously did not have such laws on its books and that has hampered his officers.
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