Loitering ordinance moves to full City Council
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A loitering ordinance is moving to the full Kansas City City Council on Thursday.
Neighbors in the area of 31st and Prospect say it’s an ongoing problem. They say groups of people gather along Prospect, in front of businesses, the bus stop and the library, making others feel unsafe.
“II’s been a terrible situation,” said Marquita Taylor, president of the Santa Fe Area Council Neighborhood Association. “No one should live in this kind of situation.”
Taylor was one of several people who spoke in favor of a proposed change to ordinance specifically addressing loitering. Neighborhood leaders say people are afraid to shop in the area, and building owners are reluctant to start a business.
This move would give police a tool to help fight the problem.
“I’s going to allow us to to make with individuals that we know that are standing there every day, all day,” said Major Chris Young over the East Patrol Division of the Kansas City Police Department. “They’re not patronizing business. Most likely, they’re doing something illegal. This will allow us to make with them, make sure that they’re, getting the appropriate opportunity to move on.”
People will be warned first, but if they don’t move on, they can be ticketed or arrested.
The full council will consider the ordinance on Thursday.
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