Chillicothe – Council’s promised review session on the “Anti-Camping” proposed ordinance is this afternoon. Before you attend, hear the city’s intentions with the unfinished proposed legislation.
The review session is at 5:00 pm in the Main Annex of the Chillicothe-Ross County Public Library, across from the Historical Society, at 40 West 5th Street.
In an effort to provide background information to this issue (as well as the recent, similarly controversial, “Cannabis Moratorium”) I asked to interview the member of the Chillicothe office of Law Director who studied and authored the legislation. Law Director Office Assitant Hannah Bivens gave an in-depth explanation of the “Anti-Camping” proposed ordinance currently under discussion by Chillicothe Council in the 14-minute audio interview.
Like the “Cannabis Moratorium,” there is much that has not been clearly stated or reported about the issue. Bivens stated that:
- The proposed ordinance is NOT increasing penalties for homelessness, but rather allowing decreasing penalties.
- The proposed ordinance has NOT been finalized, and has been left unfinished as it is being discussed.
- Council’s strategy is to accommodate and encourage DIALOG with the public and institutions…before solidifying legalities.
Some photos in the video are from a drone video by Allagree’s Aerial Photography of homeless camp trash, posted on Facebook February 9th:
See also my recent stories on this issue (and you can search for more on the Scioto Post):
- “Defense of Homeless Again Dominates Chillicothe Council” (02/13/2025)
- “Chillicothe Council Hears Data on Homeless” (02/14/2025)
- And especially “Debate on Homeless Camps not just in Chillicothe Council Sessions,” with homeless advocate statements (02/16/2025)
I also have an unfinished story on the offer by homeless advocate (and naturalist) Amy Fitton to help organize quarterly clean-ups of homeless camps, made in front of the February 24th Chillicothe Council.
