Law takes aim at Paterson drive-through window panhandlers | Paterson Times Paterson Times

Law takes aim at Paterson drive-through window panhandlers

By Jayed Rahman
Published: February 28, 2019

paterson-panhandler

The City Council is putting in place a new ordinance to prohibit panhandling at drive-through windows.

Public safety director Jerry Speziale told council members the measure is aimed at closing a loophole in a 2014 ordinance that forbid vagrants and others from blocking the entrance of a business.

But the five-year-old ordinance did not cover obstruction of drive-through and walk-up windows.

Violators face a maximum fine of $2,000, 90 days jail time, or 90 days of community service, according to the ordinance.

“This is the type of measure we need to focus on to ensure a better quality of life,” said Michael Jackson, 1st Ward councilman, chairman of the public safety committee.

Council members granted initial approval to the new law on Tuesday night. Council will hold a public hearing on Mar. 12 prior to a vote for final approval.

The measure is expected to be enacted without opposition.

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