Recent increase in panhandling spurs law revision

Date: 10/10/2014

CHICOPEE – The city of Chicopee is once again on the way to having a revised law about panhandling.

At its Oct. 7 meeting, councilors unanimously voted to send a revised law to its ordinance committee for review and a public hearing.
   
Councilor Shane Brooks said, “We’re not re-inventing the wheel,” and added Chicopee will use the Springfield panhandling law as a model.
   
There has been an increase in people asking for money in the parking lots of BJs and Wal-Mart, Brooks noted.          
   
Brooks said the ordinance committee may look at extend the number of feet a person must be from a bus stop or the entrance to a bank if they want to ask people for money.
   
He believes that with “minor tweaks” the law would be enforceable.
   
Councilor Tim McLellan expressed concerns about people who stand at traffic islands, such as the one off the entrance of the Massachusetts Turnpike on Memorial Drive.
   
Although he readily acknowledged that some of the people who stand there holding a sign and soliciting money might actually need help, he said it’s not good for the image of the city.
   
Councilor James Tillotson said panhandling is protected at least in part by the Constitution as an expression of free speech. He said the new law would have to be “something that’s humane.”
   
He confirmed the last time the councilors spoke about such an ordinance, the incidence of panhandling decreased.
   
“It is becoming a problem [again],” Tillotson said.
   
Councilor Robert Zygarowski asked that Police Chief William Jebb be included in the discussions.
   
Councilor Gerry Roy, who served as the president of Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, reminded the council that while no one wants to see a panhandler, “none of us have gone without a meal, slept in a box or under a bridge.” He asked his colleagues to “just go easy on it, if you would.”
   
In other action, the council approved $85,000 for the repaving of Montgomery Street. In Mayor Richard Kos’ briefing, Water Department Superintendent Alan Starzyk explained the job would have a first phase this fall and then the second phase in the spring.
   
The depth of Montgomery Street requires eight inches of asphalt, Starzyk said. Four inches would be poured this fall and allowed to settle over the winter before the final four inches would be added next year.