TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager, in coordination with the City Attorney and City Prosecutor, return to the City Council through a receive and file presentation discussing policy options related to unlawful uses of public spaces, including camping, that contribute to public health issues, nuisance, and public safety concerns. This includes evaluating the following:
• Size, structure, and cleanliness of encampments
• Prohibitions on obstructions, including encampments,
that limit or discourage public access or right of way
• Prohibited locations or areas in relation to sensitive uses
and areas with environmental concerns such as schools,
major economic drivers, and waterways
• Prohibitions on time of day or when beds are available
• Sanctioned camp sites
The City Manager, in coordination with the City Prosecutor and City Attorney, should also present enforcement mechanisms that have been used by other cities for violations. As we are in an emergency, this recommendation should return to City Council in 30 days.
DISCUSSION
Numerous studies and literature highlight the importance and benefits of public spaces in cities, especially for creating a strong sense of community that brings the public together. Other benefits noted include economically, environmentally, and for cultural and social activities, just to name a few. As Long Beach grapples with the homelessness crisis, we have seen a direct impact on public spaces that can sometimes prevent use, lead to public health issues, nuisance, and public safety concerns. Cities have limitations on how we can enforce laws related to ensuring usable and safe public spaces, especially as it relates to camping of unhoused residents, but this does not mean we have to throw our hands in the air every time we discuss options for enforcement. While we understand criminalizing homelessness is not the solution, we can take a serious look at what other cities are doing to ensure public spaces are usa...
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