SUBJECT: Ordinance amending Chapter 40 of the Code of Ordinances to extend provisions of the Civility Ordinance to the Near Northside.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 40 of the Code of Ordinances to extend the provisions of the Civility Ordinance to the Near Northside.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
The Civility Ordinance prohibits certain conduct on sidewalks (lying, sitting or depositing personal possessions) during most daylight hours. It is currently applicable to the Central Business District, Midtown, Old Sixth Ward, Avondale, Hyde Park and East Downtown Management District. The ordinance contains provisions for a citizen petition procedure to extend the restrictions to other areas of the City.
Residents and business owners in the Near Northside submitted a petition to the City Secretary to extend the Civility Ordinance to their neighborhood. In compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 40-353 of the Code of Ordinances, the Legal and Planning and Development Departments certified that the petition meets required criteria.
City Council conducted the required Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, wherein the Houston Police Department presented its report indicating the existence of the kind of conduct that is prohibited under the Civility Ordinance and incidents of criminal misconduct in the Near Northside area. Based on HPD's report and public testimony at the hearing, this matter is presented to City Council to consider adopting the proposed ordinance to extend provisions of the Civility Ordinance to the Near Northside.