NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Are aggressive panhandlers hindering people from enjoying Downtown Nashville? One Metro council member thinks so, and has a plan to address the issue.
Metro Council Member Freddie O’Connell said over the last few months, he has heard an increased number of reports of aggressive panhandling, and even cases of panhandlers blocking streets or grabbing or assaulting pedestrians.
He is sponsoring a bill that aims to prohibit aggressive panhandling and soliciting in parts of downtown that typically have a lot of pedestrians.
“The main reason we are here is because of a change that has occurred,” said Council Member O’Connell who represents the 19th district. “I don’t know why, but in the past few months there has been an uptick in the aggression of people who are on the street.”
The bill would prohibit panhandling on parts of 2nd Avenue North, Commerce Street, Symphony Place and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
The bill would not impact Contributor vendors.
O’Connell said it adds to an existing Metro aggressive panhandling ordinance that has been in effect since 2007.
He added his goal was not to criminalize panhandling, or hinder someone’s right to be on the street.
“We already know someone who is panhandling is struggling in some way, so maybe there is a way we can get them some assistance,” said O'Connell.
O’Connell said he had plans to meet with Metro Police officers in the central precinct this week to discuss whether the bill would be helpful or effective. He also wanted to share the idea with homeless advocates, and hold a community meeting to educate downtown residents, community leaders, and business owners about the bill.
The bill passed on first reading at the last Metro Council meeting. It is scheduled to be discussed again at the Apr. 2 meeting.
