I agree that those panhandling in Dover are presenting safety hazards. There is a pedestrian safety ordinance pending before City Council, and I hope it passes.
The protesters say the city is criminalizing homeless individuals and taking away their freedom of speech. First of all, this ordinance speaks to the safety of pedestrians and motorists only. It does not speak to “panhandling.”
However, if the panhandlers standing in the roads choose to do so, there is help a short distance from the intersection of Forrest Avenue and Saulsbury Road, at Hopes & Dreams Peer Support & Resource Center, where they can go to learn about services in the area. This is only one of many organizations offered in the city. There is no “criminalizing” nor does anyone lose their freedom of speech.
Roylene Marvel
Dover
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
