DDD backs ordinance banning ‘aggressive panhandling’

The Downtown Development District Commission today expressed support for an ordinance that would establish penalties for “aggressive panhandling” downtown. The ordinance, patterned after one approved for the New Orleans central business district in March 2010, would make panhandling illegal in public parks and transit vehicles, as well as within 30 feet of a sidewalk business, 20 feet of an ATM or eight feet of an occupied vehicle. It would also make asking for a handout illegal between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., and would prohibit a panhandler from touching, blocking, following or directing abusive language at someone from whom they’re soliciting. Penalties for violating the ordinance include up to a $500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail. Joseph Scott of the East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney’s Office says the ordinance would give law enforcement more options to deal with problems as they arise. He told the DDD board that a total ban on asking for money would be unconstitutional, and he acknowledged the definition of “aggressive” is subjective. “It hasn’t been challenged in New Orleans [in court] yet,” Scott said, “but that doesn’t mean it’s not subject to challenge.” DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer says the next step will be asking Metro Councilwoman Tara Wicker, whose district includes the DDD, to introduce the measure. Also discussed at today’s meeting, the DDD has applied for a $1.2 million federal grant to create the North Boulevard Promenade, which would connect the boulevard to the planned Downtown Greenway. —David Jacobs