Fairlawn Looks to Regulate Panhandlers
City officials are drawing up legislation to regulate beggars on city corners after receiving safety complaints.
A number of safety and welfare concerns have been raised concerning the act of panhandling on several of the city's street corners, said Fairlawn Mayor William Roth.
The subject has been a hot topic for a while, said Roth.
Specifically, the legislation looks at regulating the time, manner and conduct of panhandling, which will help with the safety and general welfare of the panhandler and public.
"People have been saying they feel uncomfortable in their cars sitting at intersections," Roth said. "Some of them are approaching the vehicles or are being aggressive."
Police Chief Kenneth Walsh is in the process of looking over the legislation and will discuss it more with council members at Monday's 6 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting.
Take our poll to tell us your experience with panhandlers. If none of the options fit, tell us how you feel in the comments.
Linda
5:44 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I read in the Beacon a while back that they have to go get a permit to panhandle. Also, that people actually hire other people to do the panhandling and drive them there to collect for the main guy. So ... I don't believe ANY of the people I see who have signs saying they're homeless or in trouble. Sad, but true.
Cathy Cooke
9:01 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I think the presence of panhandlers makes our city look awful. In some areas, panhandlers seem to be on every corner. If businesses or conventions were looking at Akron or the surrounding areas, they would get the impression that this is a poor, dying, possibly unsafe city. We need to do more than just regulate panhandling, it needs to totally banned.
Greg Single
10:34 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
They are scamming the public and you can stop it by simply putting somone with a sign right next to them saying that they are scamming you! I see people give them money all the time. I have asked them if they want to work ---and the answer--surprise---NO! They are aggressive in nature and they are preying on the weak! It will take a major incident to get rid of them!
Tom
8:55 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
My daughter works at a local grocery store where some of the panhandlers come in and pay their utility bills including cable! They also buy cigarettes and lottery tickets. I caught one talking on his cell phone. I asked him about having a cell phone and I won't tell you where he told me to go.
Megan Rozsa
8:59 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
Thank you all for commenting. I have a feeling Monday's meeting will be lengthy. Is there anything you want me to ask the mayor or city officials specifically about this?
Zork White
2:38 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
I work and live in Fairlawn, i drive past them everyday . My favorite is the board that says "lost my job , need help " while standing 100 yards away ten business's that I know are hiring ...