Eugene City Council heard public comment last night about a proposed ordinance revision that would allow property owners to remove people for trespassing in the planter spaces between the curb and the sidewalk.
Eugene residents spoke for almost an hour with a majority of people sharing support for the proposal. They say the change creates more clarity about who is responsible for the spaces, eliminates safety hazards for pedestrians and creates more welcoming public areas.
Property owner Susan Sellig supports the change.
“Everyday deal with bodily excrement, trash, drug paraphernalia and vandalism,” said Sellig. “I think one start would be to allow the property owners who are responsible and liable for the parking strip to be able to call the police and expect squatters to be removed.”
Those opposing the revision expressed concern for the criminalization of a vulnerable population.
The city council will make a decision on the proposed change at their June 24th meeting.
