McKinney council to consider guiding principles for new homelessness initiative

At the regular meeting scheduled later that day, council members will consider and vote to formally adopt a set of principles that guide the initiative.

“The issues associated with homelessness are multifaceted and extremely complicated,” the city document states. “Therefore, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed to establish strategies and solutions that respond to those impacted by it.”

The initiative is being proposed after council members approved an ordinance outlawing aggressive panhandling in September. It was one of three ordinances staff presented in August.

Council members tabled the other two ordinances during the September meeting. The Oct. 21 agenda includes those two ordinances again for further consideration.

Items worth mentioning

One ordinance would make it unlawful to sleep outdoors, sit in a public street or lie down on a public sidewalk, street, median, parkway or pedestrian right of way. A person would be allowed to sit on a chair, bench or architectural feature supplied by the city or private property owner.

Exceptions are included in the ordinance for emergencies, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and common public activities, according to a staff presentation. People would still be able to sit at public parks and special events.

The second ordinance would clarify that camping is prohibited in any publicly accessible outdoor area that’s not designated for camping. The ordinance expands the definition of camping to include staying or sleeping in a vehicle overnight.

Get involved

McKinney City Council is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. for the work session and at 6 p.m. for the regular meeting Oct. 21. Both meetings will take place within the City Council chambers at McKinney City Hall, located at 401 E. Virginia St. Agendas for both meetings can be accessed through the city’s website.

The meetings will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. For more information about McKinney City Council meetings, visit www.mckinneytexas.org/1168/council-meetings.