PEORIA, Ill. — The City of Peoria is considering new ways to curb panhandling, but their options are somewhat more limited now.
Recent court action has essentially established constitutional free speech protections around any panhandling that might occur on a street corner.
However, Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich tells WMBD News that city elected leaders can still make moves based on public safety.
There remains an issue with panhandlers still standing on skinny concrete medians or in the middle of intersections.
“We’re putting together some signage we’ll be putting up at intersections throughout the city that say ‘panhandling and solicitation is not safe in this location’,” Urich said.
Urich says city staffers are also looking at coordinating with local homeless advocacy groups and charities to address root cause issues as well.
