MERCER ISLAND, Wash. (AP) — The Mercer Island City Council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit camping on all public property, and direct homeless people to shelters in other cities. City officials say the ordinance will help people living outdoors or in their cars, as well as address residents’ safety concerns. But an organized group of Mercer Island residents and the ACLU of Washington say the proposal criminalizes homelessness without addressing homelessness’ underlying causes. Mercer Island City Councilmembers plan to deliberate and potentially vote Tuesday on the ordinance. Under the plan, violations would be a misdemeanor offense, subject to fines of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
Mercer Island considers homeless ordinance
