Proposed Aggressive Panhandling Law in Cheektowaga: Cracking Down on Harassment and Intimidation
In the town of Cheektowaga, a proposed law is making waves as officials aim to tackle what they describe as “aggressive panhandling.” The legislation is designed to restrict areas where panhandling is permitted, specifically targeting individuals who engage in solicitation in a threatening, intimidating, or harassing manner. Behaviors such as touching, following, or threatening an individual are at the core of this proposed law.
If passed, the legislation would prohibit solicitation within 50 feet of ATMs, banks, check-cashing businesses, bus stops, and public transit areas. Additionally, individuals on sidewalks or streets would no longer be allowed to solicit cash from drivers. This move is part of a broader effort to address the rise in complaints from residents about aggressive begging in the community.
According to Republican board members Michael Jasinski and Vernon Thompson, who introduced the legislation, the goal is not to involve the police unnecessarily but rather to engage the right agencies to address the issue effectively. Captain Jeffrey Schmidt of the Cheektowaga Police emphasized that the objective is to provide necessary assistance to individuals rather than simply incarcerating them.
“We have a behavioral team within the department with a clinician, and we partner with Endeavor Health to connect these individuals with services. Our approach is not about arresting our way out of a problem. It’s about ensuring the safety of our community while also offering support to those in need,” Schmidt explained.
Under the proposed law, individuals caught soliciting in a prohibited manner could face fines ranging from $25 to $250, with a second offense potentially resulting in up to 15 days in jail. Jasinski highlighted the negative impact of aggressive panhandling on businesses, noting that customers may feel intimidated or harassed, which can deter them from visiting establishments.
“They might feel intimidated. In fact, they have been intimidated. They’ve brought it to my attention. Senior citizens go into a store, and somebody pressures them for money. It makes them nervous,” Jasinski expressed.
If the law is enacted, Cheektowaga would join other local municipalities such as Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Grand Island in implementing similar regulations. However, it’s important to note that the proposed law is still under consideration and has not yet taken effect. The town board is set to revisit the issue at an upcoming meeting scheduled for September 24.
Implications for the Community
The proposed aggressive panhandling law in Cheektowaga has sparked conversations about the impact of such legislation on the community. While the goal is to address harassment and intimidation, some residents have raised concerns about the potential consequences for those in need.
Captain Schmidt emphasized that the law is not intended to criminalize individuals who may be struggling and resorting to begging as a means of survival. Instead, it aims to ensure that solicitation is done in a respectful manner that promotes safety for all individuals involved.
“This was not designed to prohibit people from having a car wash or from firefighters having a boot drive. It isn’t designed to arrest anyone who is in a place in their life where they have to beg in order to support themselves or their families. It’s designed to just make sure that if they are doing that, they’re doing so in a respectful manner that allows for safety for all persons,” Schmidt clarified.
Community Response and Support
The proposed law has garnered mixed reactions from the community, with some expressing support for the measures to curb aggressive panhandling and others voicing concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable populations. Advocates for the homeless and those in need have called for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and homelessness.
Local businesses have also weighed in on the issue, with some expressing relief at the prospect of reduced harassment and intimidation of customers. The presence of aggressive beggars can create an uncomfortable environment for patrons, particularly senior citizens and vulnerable populations.
As the town of Cheektowaga continues to consider the proposed legislation, stakeholders from various sectors are engaging in conversations about the best way to address the issue of aggressive panhandling while still supporting those in need in the community.
In conclusion, the proposed aggressive panhandling law in Cheektowaga reflects a broader effort to ensure the safety and well-being of residents while also addressing the concerns of local businesses. By targeting behaviors that are deemed threatening, intimidating, or harassing, the legislation aims to strike a balance between maintaining public safety and providing support to individuals in need. As the town board deliberates on the issue, it is crucial to consider the implications of such regulations on the community as a whole.