Politics & Government

Should Newport Pass a Panhandling Law?

The Newport City Council will discuss a possible aggressive solicitation ordinance.

Three city councilors have introduced a resolution to address a “perceived increase in aggressive forms of solicitation, begging and/or ‘panhandling’ in certain areas of Newport.”

On Oct. 22, Broadway area residents voiced concerns during a community meeting, hosted by the Newport Police Department. Since that meeting, the police department has responded by increasing patrols in the area

Councilors Michael Farley, Kathryn Leonard and Jeanne-Marie Napolitano have introduced the resolution, which requests the city solicitor recommend an ordinance to reduce aggressive solicitation which has “a reported effect of discouraging shoppers and diners from visiting Newport retail shops and restaurants in the areas most frequented by aggressive solicitors.” Fines would range between $1 and $1000 and community service. 

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The council will have an opportunity to discuss and vote on the resolution during the next city council meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13

When asked on the Newport Patch Facebook page, residents were divided on the issue.   

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Most who agreed panhandling was a problem, said the worst area was Broadway.

“I live on Broadway and whenever I walk down the street I get asked for money and cigarettes nine times out of ten by people sitting outside the old ace hardware...it's really obnoxious!” wrote Rebbcca Killian.  

Keith Durand believes the problem is impacting tourism. “You can't have expensive but awesome restaurants and then go outside and be harassed to the point of being afraid. And that is exactly what is happening,” he wrote.

However, not everyone agreed the city has a problem. 

“The panhandling in Newport is nothing compared to Montreal,” wrote Alan Meehan. 

Francesca Russo Barnes agreed. “Any city has panhandlers. I come from Rome, I have been living here for about 10 years and I have never been bothered by anyone,” she wrote.    

Ali Brown wrote that relative to other tourist destinations, panhandling in Newport is “significantly minor.”

The resolution requests the solicitor review other anti-aggressive panhandling ordinances in Rhode Island communities such as the City of Providence. That ordinance prohibits against certain forms of aggressive solicitation, such as following a person being solicited, intentionally touching another person in the course of soliciting or using threatening gestures. 

What do you think? Should Newport explore ordinances to prohibit against aggressive solicitation?  Do you think panhandling is a problem in Newport?

 

 

 

 

 


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