Albert Ario, a Fall River resident, opened the citizen input session by voicing his opposition to the ordinance. Ario shared his personal experiences with homelessness, dividing those affected into three categories: the unhoused, those experiencing extreme housing instability, and those uncertain about their future housing. He detailed his own struggles over 30 years, attributing his homelessness to economic factors rather than addiction or mental illness. Ario criticized the ordinance for broadly categorizing homeless individuals as “addicted” or “criminally insane,” arguing that this misrepresentation could lead to unjust treatment.

Tracy Alvares from Swansea, representing United Interfaith Action, also opposed the ordinance. Alvares emphasized the severe lack of affordable housing in Fall River, citing that the city ranks third in evictions in Massachusetts and has thousands on waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 assistance. She argued that without addressing affordable housing, the ordinance would be ineffective and could criminalize poverty and illness.

Council members responded to these concerns by clarifying the intent behind the ordinance. Attorney Ramsey explained that the ordinance was not designed to penalize homelessness or those in poverty. He noted that while the ordinance includes fines, it does not carry criminal penalties, and police would have discretion in enforcement. Ramsey emphasized that the ordinance aimed to provide police with tools to manage public spaces where encampments might disrupt the community. He acknowledged the need for better communication to dispel fears of criminalization.

The council discussed the necessity of clearly outlining how the ordinance would be implemented and enforced, especially concerning existing encampments and the diverse circumstances of homeless individuals. They stressed the importance of effectively communicating that the ordinance is not a punitive measure against those facing housing instability.

A council member proposed amending the ordinance to state that fines would not be imposed if a person is homeless, shelter is unavailable, and the individual is willing to go to a shelter when space becomes available. This motion was supported. The dialogue underscored the need to balance enforcement with compassion, acknowledging the realities faced by homeless individuals.

The council also explored broader issues related to homelessness. One member suggested the building department consider regulations for tiny houses, referencing a successful local project. The discussion acknowledged the challenges of balancing community needs with individual circumstances and the impact of homelessness on residents’ quality of life. There was consensus that the ordinance does not address the underlying issues of homelessness and affordability in Fall River.

It was noted that many individuals from surrounding communities contribute to the local homelessness situation due to the lack of affordable housing in those areas. This places a burden on Fall River’s resources, as the city is often seen as a destination for those seeking better services and transportation. The council discussed innovative solutions such as creating a tiny house community with wraparound services to support homeless individuals sustainably.

There was mention of using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for temporary housing solutions, although it was clarified that the proposed location for such initiatives, Tupper Heights, was not city-owned and was involved in legal disputes, complicating immediate actions.

Other agenda items included proposed ordinances for handicap parking in various city locations. An emergency preamble for these ordinances passed without objection. Additionally, items five and six of the agenda were tabled due to other commitments from council members, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.