WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The town of West Warwick has delayed their decision on its homeless ordinance. The town solicitor, the town manager, and community members spoke on the possible ordinance during an hour long meeting last night. The town decided additional time is needed to look at the ordinance, rather than make a decision on this draft. West Warwick’s ordinance sets a date of December 2 to clear out homeless encampments across the town. Throughout the meeting. the focus was less on criminalizing homelessness. and more on tackling actions that are already considered illegal including; public urination, fires, and public nuisance complaints. Council members recognized that homelessness is not just an issue in West Warwick, and the ordinance also highlighted both the RI Homelessness Bill of Rights and the Rhode Island Landlord and Tenant Act to inform their response. Town councilors decided to table the ordinance for further discussion, sending it back to try and refine it as that December 2 date looms closer. The council’s next meeting regularly scheduled meeting is on November 12. Categories: News