Panhandling in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo officials have approved a change to panhandling rules to give people seated in public places the right to be left alone.  The Kalamazoo City Commission voted 6-1 Monday to amend the panhandling ordinance the city adopted in 2006. The change protects people in areas enclosed by fencing or gates, such as sidewalk cafes. It also includes people sitting at tables or benches in public spaces.  City officials say the change comes after residents complained about being aggressively solicited downtown.  Commissioner Jack Urban voted against the change because he said it was unclear whether the change addresses public or private spaces. He says public spaces belong to everybody.  Commissioner Don Cooney says the ordinance is limited and reasonable and “shows respect to all people involved.”  (AP)