By Damian Phillips, The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Members of Clarksburg City Council passed a pair of ordinances targeting homeless encampments Thursday night.
Passage came after lengthy debate during a public hearing, which drew several dozen people, as well as a prayer vigil in front of City Hall two hours earlier.
In addition to concerns voiced by residents and people from as far away as Morgantown and Elkins, Councilmen Will Hyman and Ryan Deems led the charge against the ordinances.
“I have a feeling — and I pray to God I’m wrong — but if you have to catch these people in the act, got to raid the camps, they are going resort to violence, and somebody is going to get hurt, whether it’s an animal or a person living out there or a police officer or maybe someone going out there to help them, giving them a hand,” Hyman said.
Hyman and Deems put forward several amendments to the first ordinance voted on, which prohibits camping on public property and unauthorized private property.
