VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Library staffers in Virginia Beach are calling on city council members to pass a new ordinance prohibiting people from staying on the grounds overnight. That's because they're seeing more people camping out in library parking lots, sometimes for weeks at a time.
Kimberly Knight, director of public libraries, told council Tuesday, "We meet customers where they are by creating library out in our communities."
However, now staffers want the city to step in because they keep finding trash, makeshift bedding, and even human waste on library property.
The proposed ordinance would fine people who refuse to leave more than 30 minutes after a library closes. City Manager Patrick Duhaney said law enforcement has tried to step in before without success.
"There have been some situations on library property where we've tried to work with folks and give them resources and connect them with services and they've refused to leave," Duhaney said." This would give the police department the authority to move them along."
The ordinance would be similar to a Virginia Beach law that prohibits people from being in public parks from sunrise to sunset. On city property, the public must be given notice if they're not permitted to be there at certain times.
A majority of councilmembers expressed support for drafting an ordinance, including Joash Schulman, who said, "We are a compassionate city, and it is certainly not a crime to be unhoused. But the public does have an expectation that they should be able to go out in public spaces and not be confronted with some of the things we’re seeing."
Michael Berlucchi agreed, explaining, "The people I serve have an expectation of public safety in their homes, in their neighborhoods, where they shop, where they visit.
Sabrina Wooten was the sole council member to outright oppose drafting the ordinance. She said the idea of fining an unhoused person gives her pause. She told council, "I’m sensitive towards criminalization, fining folks who are presenting as homeless, who probably won't be able to pay it anyway.
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Before taking any action, city council members asked for more information on homelessness in Virginia Beach, including a report on why people may turn down housing services.
According to the city, a count last year found 313 people are experiencing homelessness in Virginia Beach.