“Sidewalk ban” ordinance has raised its concerns over people facing homelessness after its effectivity last week.
A local group says this ordinance in Albuquerque mainly targets people facing homelessness and could increase police patrols in city-designated safety zones.
City Council passed the enhanced service and safety zones ordinance last week. Dare to Struggle group said the bill disproportionately targets people facing homelessness.
“APD wrongfully harasses us, and the city displaces us, throws away our stuff, harasses us, gives us citations that are unlawful, unjust, and we get displaced and have to start over and over and over again,” said Gabriel Salas.
Salas said the ordinance is not only the issue. According to the group, the city and police have treated people facing homelessness for a very long time.
Mayor Tim Keller says the ordinance still needs action and will designate certain safety zones. The Police, Albuquerque Community Safety or city sanitation workers would patrol these areas more.
The ordinance would also make it illegal to sit, sleep, or lie on public sidewalks, roads, bike paths, or alleys if someone is blocking them.
These ordinance could put others who seeks refuge on the road on pedestal. Authorities should seek solution on these problem to provide a better care for them.