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Ypsilanti Twp. ordinance prevents panhandling

Posted at 11:32 PM, Feb 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-06 16:04:16-05

Panhandling has become an increasing problem throughout Metro Detroit. 

Due to a 2013 court ruling, panhandling is considered free speech, making it legal. While elected leaders struggle with curbing the nuisance, one community has found a solution to the nagging problem.

Ypsilanti Township leaders passed an ordinance which makes panhandling illegal. As part of the township's business ordinance, no peddler or solicitor shall solicit the immediate payment of money from a person who is inside a motor vehicle. 

What makes the ordinance legal, is it applies to everyone, charities included.

Mike Radzik, Director of the Office of community Standards Police Services, tells 7 Action News the driving force behind the ordinance wasn't to curb panhandling, but to keep people safe.   T

he ordinance is being looked at by other community leaders as a possible solution to the growing panhandling problem.

Read the full ordinance here: 
https://ytown.org/images/Ordinance-Department/Peddler-Permit-Ordinance-2015-447.pdf