JACKSON, Mich —
JACKSON — Jackson City Council voted Tuesday to make changes on a proposed emergency ordinance targeting a homeless encampment in front of Carnegie Library downtown, opting instead to treat the measure as a regular ordinance and schedule a second reading for Aug. 18.
- Jackson City Council voted to make changes on a homeless encampment ordinance, pushing the next vote to Aug. 18.
- The proposed ordinance would restrict tent setups and require belongings to be stored in designated containers.
- Forty-seven people spoke during nearly six hours of public comment before the council opted to wait.
The proposed emergency ordinance included allowing up to 32-gallons worth of personal belongings on the person. Unmoved items would be stored in designated shipping containers with cubbies and shelves for up to 30 days until claimed. It also would prohibit tent setups on public property and right-of-ways without an approved permit, also prohibiting fastening equipment to any public structures.
Council takes in public comment
Forty-seven people spoke during public comment at the meeting, which lasted five and a half hours. City Attorney Matt Hagerty said the council chose to pause after hearing from the public.
"Council took a breath; took in the comments from the public and kind of digested it," Hagerty said. "They charged myself and my office with some proposed changes or edits to come back in a second reading on the meeting for August 18th."
Downtown business owner raises concerns
Greg Walker and his wife have owned Bella Notte restaurant in downtown Jackson for 25 years. Walker attended Tuesday's meeting to voice concern about how the encampment could affect downtown business.
"It's not helping bring people downtown to come and eat, and it's a difficult situation," Walker said. "There are people that are afraid to come down here, especially women. There are very aggressive homeless people down here."
Resident reflects on the meeting
Jackson resident Paris Mast said the meeting shifted her perspective on the issue.
"It's not a simple fix just relocating, right?" Mast said. She added that the meeting represented progress for both the homeless population and the broader community.
"I think this is a huge 'we see you, we hear you. Let's figure out what we can do to help this situation as a whole,'" Mast said.
A second reading will be held at the Jackson City Council meeting on August 18th after City Council instructed changes or edits to the existing ordinance to review.
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