I am a downtown business owner, and I must say that within the past week or two that the panhandling situation is already much improved. Durango Police foot patrols have already made a huge difference.
It only takes a couple of quick foot patrols – one in the afternoon and one in the evenings. Those that are criminals just have a way of disappearing when they notice cops walking around.
We also have noticed the police enforcing the drunk- or high-in-public situations. The people that are practically passed out lying on the sidewalk are now being made to move along, or are being removed. Thank you, Durango Police Department!
Now if we can also implement some of the recent Business Improvement District recommendations or some of my own below, well then, we might finally really be onto improving things this summer!
A no sitting or lying on the sidewalk ordinance would really help the hazard created by people tripping over them. They also block those in wheelchairs, etc. Other cities have one, so get it passed here, too.More police foot patrols are good, but that won’t help if the panhandlers are still allowed to sit or lay down in front of my business all day, scaring customers from even entering.Explore bringing back the no loitering laws we used to have. Stand up to the ACLU, or just pass the no loitering law so that it applies to everyone. Other cities have it.Osha Piuma
Durango
