CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Ken Hopkins, who issued an executive order to ban homeless encampments in the city of Cranston, is trying to make the order more permanent. During last night’s city council meeting, the same executive order that was issued back in August was introduced the city council, this time as  ordinance, sponsored by Hopkins titled, “Offenses Against Public Peace and Decency.” The order that was issued back in August would give the Department of Public Works the authority to take down homeless encampments after coordinating with social services to provide temporary housing for those who “violate the ordinance.” The ordinance further states that if the structure remains, for more than 24 hours after the individual is issued a “no trespass order, the encampment will be removed and thrown out. In August, Hopkins told ABC6 that he issued the executive order out of concern for public safety. “Public safety is my number one priority. Be assured that the intention of this order is to protect the general public as well as all encampment occupants, and requires our officers to contact and cooperate with any social services necessary to relocate and provide temporary housing for any violator,” he said. “I chose to pass this executive order to ensure safety of our students ahead of the coming school year. The city council had the opportunity to put this matter to rest during the City Council Ordinance Committee meeting on August 15, but they kicked the can down the road three months,” he continued. In a letter written by the ACLU of Rhode Island, members urged the city council to reject the ordinance, and for the city to consider a more “empathetic response” to the problem. “The proposal makes a symbolic nod towards assisting these individuals with housing, but it goes no further than symbolism,” the letter states. “As much as the mayor and some other officials may wish to, the City simply cannot punish its way out of the severe housing crisis that this state is facing,” it says. Residents spoke on their opposition of the ordinance during last night’s meeting. “The first question you need to ask, are there enough shelter bids in the city of Cranston to shelter all these individuals before you remove that encampment? Without you having to spend to much energy doing that, I can answer that for you, the answer is no,” said Jessica Salter, who works at Amos House. “Whatever discomfort you feel when you see someone panhandling or you see someone living in a tent maybe they’re dirty, whatever discomfort you feel within yourself, they’re experiencing something that is so profoundly painful land difficult,” said Jacob Kramer, a House of Hope volunteer. “I think it takes a lot to really observe that and try to emphasize with people and not be afraid of them and not try to punish them,” he said. The city council did not vote on the ordinance, but sent it to the ordinance committee for further study. Categories: News