ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester City Council voted 4-3 to prohibit camping on city property and rights-of-way and told police to arrest violators. Supporters said the new ordinance will address homelessness. Opponents, who packed the Council’s chambers for the debate, called the ban overly aggressive — heartless overkill. Council member Molly Dennis, wo opposed the ban, said: “We need to make sure that we are looking through the eyes of people who are going to be impacted by this incredibly regressive policy that’s going to do more harm than good. We cannot, I think, in good conscience add to their struggles.” Council member Patrick Keane, who supported the ban, admitted it was less than a full solution to homelessness but necessary.
