Anti-begging, soliciting signs at I-35 and FM 1626, Center Street approved by Kyle City Council

Kyle City Council unanimously voted Nov. 16 to approve a resolution for negotiation with the Texas Department of Transportation to install signs prohibiting soliciting and begging at the intersection of I-35 and FM 1626 as well as I-35 and Center Street.

“This will simply allow us to work with TxDOT since that is a TxDOT roadway,” Chief of Police Jeff Barnett said.

This comes a few months after the council approved an ordinance that banned begging and some camping within the city limits in June.

Barnett explained that throughout the spring and summer, the I-35 and FM 1626 intersection was the No. 1 accident location, and begging and soliciting was causing frequent traffic incidents. Due to this, the police department suggested the signs only at that specific location.

However, the board added the intersection of I-35 and Center in the event that the first sign inadvertently moves people elsewhere.

“We want to put up some signs to help prevent [dangerous activity] and reduce officer response to that; we go out there quite often,” Barnett said.