Findlay revises loitering law after public outcry

FINDLAY — Changes meant to clarify enforcement and ease public concerns about Findlay's proposed loitering ordinance were announced Wednesday. A vote could come as early as next week. The changes were reviewed during a meeting of Findlay City Council's Committee of the Whole. The committee, which includes all council members, can gather information and discuss an issue, but it can't vote or make formal recommendations to council. Unlike last week's packed council meeting, Wednesday's session focused on discussion among city officials and did not include public comment. The meeting lasted about 23 minutes. The ordinance, introduced at the request of Law Director Robert Feighner Jr., was originally drafted to give police authority to disperse individuals lingering in public spaces without an apparent purpose — particularly when their presence obstructs pedestrian traffic or interferes with businesses. It applies to sidewalks, street corners, parks, and retail districts, including parking lots and store entrances. Feighner told the committee that the updated draft is designed to make enforcement "objective versus subjective" and provide clear criteria for officers. "This isn't about overregulating people doing things," he said. "It's about giving officers a tool when nothing else applies." The revised ordinance defines loitering as remaining in a public place without a lawful purpose after being asked to move when conduct obstructs traffic or interferes with business operations. It explicitly states that individuals cannot be ordered to move for simply standing, walking, or engaging in lawful activity. Before issuing a citation, officers must identify themselves and explain the observed conduct, give a reasonable opportunity to comply and document the circumstances leading to enforcement. Violations would be treated as a minor misdemeanor, with repeat offenses within 12 months potentially escalating to a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Feighner recommended keeping penalties at the lower level, saying the goal is "to give the police department some way to say, 'You guys need to move on,' because we have a section of law that says that." "We really don't have any other tools to address this issue," said Mayor Christina Muryn, citing complaints about groups lingering outside a children's music business on Broadway Street. "They weren't always breaking the law, but they were blocking the business and making parents uncomfortable," she said. The revisions follow a tense Nov. 6 council meeting where residents packed chambers to oppose the ordinance during its second reading. Critics argued the measure would punish people for simply occupying public spaces and could invite constitutional challenges. "You can't make it illegal to stand around just because you don't like who is standing there," said Robby Leatherman. Chris Chilcote, who has organized opposition, called the proposal "a layer of punishment for just being visible." Others voiced support. Jill Wagner, a downtown property owner, said groups of homeless individuals have been congregating near her rentals, creating safety concerns. Wagner described a number of unsettling interactions. Muryn said the city is receiving "constant complaints" from parents and businesses about groups sitting or standing on sidewalks. The ordinance is up for its third reading at Tuesday's regular meeting of council, and a possible vote. During Wednesday's committee meeting, several council members suggested postponing or voting down the ordinance and introducing the revised draft for three full readings to allow public review. Muryn said the revised ordinance will be included in council's packet for Tuesday's meeting, which should give time for public review. Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Findlay Municipal Building, 318 Dorney Plaza. All council meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel: FindlayOhio. If adopted, the ordinance would join other recent measures aimed at addressing homelessness and public safety downtown. In January, council approved legislation banning sleeping on sidewalks, streets, and other public rights-of-way, with violations carrying a fine of up to $25.