TELL US: Is Concord's Panhandling Problem Out of Control?

On Friday, a reader posted a note in the Concord NH Patch Speak Out section calling the city’s panhandling ordinance “a joke.”

The reader noted, “The only way this dangerous practice will stop is when motorists stop donating. And, if they knew what their donations were going toward, I am confident these "panhandlers" would be out of business in a heartbeat. It ain't food.”

I posted the link on the Patch Twitter and Facebook feeds to see what other people thought. Nearly 40 people comments on Facebook and nearly 20 posted comments on the post. The comments ranged from some feeling sorry for people who are asking for money to others saying they wouldn’t give panhandlers money. 

In 2012, after receiving numerous complaints about panhandling, the city wrote a new ordinance and then, when attorneys and representatives of the homeless community complained that it was too strict, it was taken back and revised. Last spring, the new ordinance was approved.

Since that time, a number of people have been cited for stepping into the road while grabbing food or money from people in cars; others have been cited for repeatedly trespassing near shopping centers or stores.

Panhandling is banned in a number of communities but some are just using existing laws. Many people point to the Manchester Police getting tough on begging as the reason that Concord has a problem now, since panhandlers from there are coming here. 

Rochester recently approved an ordinance the virtually banned all panhandling in the city. The council then retreated from the ordinance, according to press reports, due to threats of lawsuits.

The topic was also discussed on the weekly news roundup on “The Exchange” heard on NHPR on Friday, with Patch Senior Regional Editor Marc Fortier.

What do you think? Leave a note in the comment section.