Burlington, Vermont - Aggressive panhandling, being drunk in public, and fighting are just some things people say you can find on Burlington's Church Street.
But a Burlington City Council Committee says the problem is finding the best way to deal with it.
The idea is to deal with folks who may be breaking the law, like drinking in public or aggressively panhandling, without sending them into the court system, essentially giving them a warning without taking up time and money in the courts for petty offenses.
The trespassing ordinance was sent to the city council for a vote while the panhandling ordinance is being revised.
The initial offense for crimes would run about $200 with no arrest or criminal conviction.
Burlington Police Chief Mike Schirling says the bad behavior on Church Street makes people who shop and dine downtown uncomfortable.
But the issue is two-sided-- while people want to feel comfortable being in the downtown area, the council also has to remember the rights of the homeless and people's right to panhandle if they so choose.
"Panhandling is protected speech so being able to ask someone for money is something that people are allowed to do. The government is, however, allowed to restrict manner and place and time of that kind of speech and that kind of behavior," says Schirling.
Current regulations says aggressive panhandling is repeatedly asking for money, asking within 15 feet of an ATM, a doorway or an entry to a business.
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