MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In Morgantown, the municipal election will be certified starting the 30 day clock for Article 1157 to take effect banning camping in urban areas.
Issues surrounding the homeless population have become even more polarizing since the pandemic and the Diamond Village encampment about five years ago. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Third Ward councilor Weez Michael said the rhetoric has turned darker and more threatening since the voters decided to keep the ban in place.
Via social media the Morgantown Coalition for Housing Action said in part,” That heartbreak, the disappointment, that rage you feel? It’s tinder. We weren’t kidding when we said housing, not handcuffs. We mean it still when we say no housing, no peace. Onward.”
“Unfortunately the outrage and insults house no one, they cure no one, they cure no addiction, and they fix no problems,” Michael said. “I would really like everyone to get on the same page.”
“I am deeply disappointed by the vote on the camping ban however I look forward to working with all local leaders to ensure that we have the adequate shelter space and outreach resources to avoid anyone being jailed for sleeping outside,” Seventh Ward councilor and MoCHA member. Brian Butcher said.
Michael sponsored Article 1157 in July after hearing multiple complaints from constituents. She said nearly 80 percent of the input she received related to open drug use, panhandling, and the aggressive conduct of some in the homeless community.
“When you hear this many complaints and you hear people say they’re afraid to take their family on the rail trail or go on a family walk then you have to look at the root issues of this and that’s exactly what I did,” Michael said.
The Morgantown ordinance comes with a written warning and information about available services and shelter on the first offense. The threat of fines and jail time are possible after the first offense and can become more severe depending on the frequency of the violations. The fine for a second violation can bhe up to $200 and can be up to $500 if a third violation happens within 12 months of the second.
“We wanted to try and different approach and make the first offense a warning and make the first offense a warning to try to get people help,” Michael said.
Michael cited the unsafe conditions in camps where open drug use has been reported as another reason to intervene with a ban on camping. Camp conditions don’t provide the support and services for people who are trying to improve their lives, find employment, or participate in substance abuse treatment.
“They had to use hazmat suits and I believe it took them three days and 9 or 10 full dump trucks to get all the debris,” Michael said.
Michael made it clear the ordinance is designed to move people toward treatment, not incarceration. The ordinance actually provides those with serious mental health or other issues a connection to treatment and a potential path to a better life.
“We do realize there will be situations of mental health and trauma and we’re going to be sympathetic and try to help in those cases,” Michael said.
Mountain State Justice has not responded to a request for comment.