Findlay looks to curb loitering

FINDLAY — A proposed new law would make loitering in Findlay a minor misdemeanor. The anti-loitering legislation was introduced to Findlay City Council at its regular meeting on Tuesday at the request of Law Director Robert Feighner Jr. If approved by the council, the new rule would take effect immediately. Feighner said the proposed legislation is in response to a growing concern about loitering and related criminal activity in downtown Findlay. The ordinance would prohibit individuals from lingering in public places without an apparent purpose, particularly in ways that obstruct pedestrian traffic or cause annoyance to others. It applies to sidewalks, street corners, parks, public grounds, and retail business districts, including parking lots, driveways and store entrances. In a letter to council, dated Oct. 13, Feighner said there has been an increase in complaints about loitering in and around parts of the downtown. "This loitering often includes signs of drug use and other criminal acts," he said. Feighner said the city currently lacks local code provisions to address such behavior, prompting the mayor to direct him to draft the ordinance. The proposed language draws from ordinances in other communities dating back to 1969 and 1973. "What that means," Feighner said, "is that if there were any constitutional challenges, they must not have been successful." Recently, there has been an increase in homeless individuals congregating on sidewalks outside of businesses in the downtown and being disruptive, Mayor Christina Muryn said on Thursday. Since they are on the sidewalk, it's not considered trespassing, which gives the Findlay Police Department little recourse in compelling the individuals to disperse. The ordinance would require individuals to move when ordered to do so by a police officer or be cited. It would be up to the officer to decide whether a person's behavior constitutes loitering. In January, council approved "unhoused camps and public sleeping" legislation that bans sleeping on sidewalks, streets, alleyways, or at an entrance to public or private property. Any person found sleeping in these areas could be immediately removed. Campsites on sidewalks, streets, alleys, any public right of way, park, public property, or under any bridge or viaduct are also prohibited, unless they're allowed by a formal emergency declaration by the service-safety director. Violating the homeless camping ban ordinance is considered a minor misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $25. Repeat offenses would be considered a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.