PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – April 19, 2024 – Presque Isle Parks and Recreation staff cleaned up some of the trash left behind by campers. This clearing in Riverside Park is seen littered with trash on April 15 (left) and on April 19 after staff cleaned it up. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
Police enforcement and adequate care for the homeless were key issues during a Presque Isle City Council workshop and public hearing on a proposed camping ordinance on Sept. 12.
The original draft was introduced during the June 5 council meeting to clarify how to deal with people who camp in public places like parks, often leaving trash behind. The ordinance would have required anyone setting up a camp or temporary shelter on public property to get approval from Presque Isle authorities.
The ordinance was drafted after numerous complaints from the community about people camping in local parks and other public places. Other community members protested the draft, saying it could discriminate against the homeless. The city council revised the ordinance, and Tuesday’s meeting was the first hearing on the new document.
The revision was also prompted by a Supreme Court ruling on a similar ordinance in Grants Pass, Oregon, said City Manager Tyler Brown.
“The first draft was discarded in favor of a new one,” Brown said. “After hearing the Supreme Court ruling, we drafted an ordinance (similar to) Grants Pass.”
The case, Johnson v. Grants Pass, began when Grants Pass, a city of 38,000, began issuing tickets to people sleeping on public property. A 2018 ruling said it was cruel and unusual to punish people for sleeping in public when they had nowhere else to go.
Like Presque Isle and many other communities, the Oregon city suffers from a housing shortage, drug and mental health issues – and a growing homeless population. Some people were concerned about public safety, others wanted to help the homeless, according to a report by Oregon Public Radio.
The Supreme Court began looking into rules that made it harder for cities to stop people from sleeping outdoors. On June 28, the Supreme Court overturned the 2018 ruling and declared that homeless people can be arrested or fined for sleeping outdoors. Some Maine communities welcomed the measure.
After the court decision, Presque Isle authorities took their cue from Grants Pass’ ordinance and revised local policies with help from City Attorney Richard Currier’s office. Instead of banning camping and requiring people to leave the area immediately even if they have no place to go, the new ordinance would mandate the provision of services and give those sleeping rough more time to find alternatives, Brown said.
“It says that social services must be provided and that people have a certain period of time to leave their homes,” he said. “The first regulation provided for 24 hours. During the meeting on Tuesday it was pointed out that this is not enough time.”
Few residents attended the meeting and no one spoke, but Presque Isle Police Chief Chris Hayes and social service providers provided feedback, Brown said.
City officials and legal representatives are using this feedback to refine the design. Details are not yet final.
The required second public hearing on the new camping ordinance will be held Oct. 2 in the council chambers at City Hall before the regular City Council meeting. During that public hearing, community members can provide feedback, Brown said.
City councilors will then likely vote on whether to adopt the ordinance.
