RUTLAND TOWN, Vt. -
It's a familiar site in downtowns across the country... homeless people begging for money.
Well, leaders in Rutland Town are fed up and have passed an ordinance that puts a stop to panhandling.
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At the entrance to the bustling Green Mountain Plaza shopping center in Rutland Town, there's often a man standing with a cardboard sign, and a tin can.
"If I want to give to them I can, and if I don't I can just drive by, it's tough times, people need help," Rutland resident Dick Snow said.
But after endless complaints, "people are not bashful about calling us at home," Rutland Town Select Board member, Jim Hall said.
Hall and the other select board members voted unanimously to restrict panhandling.
"We don't want to impede the safety, the well-being of the shoppers and the well-being of the merchants," Hall said.
The ordinance stops panhandlers from soliciting anyone waiting in line, in a parking lot, or within 15 feet of a building entrance.
The weather often dictates just how many panhandlers are going to be standing at the stoplights, today for example in the snow, there were none, but on any other given day, there's usually at least one.
"If they want to stand out and ask for money, let them stand out and ask for money," Snow said.
But for now, Rutland residents won't be asked to spare any more change. Hall says there's help out there for people who need it.
"I would recommend if people are in dire straits that they contact one of these organizations and try to do something for themselves other than be an impediment to shoppers and Green Mountain Plaza," Hall said.
If someone is caught panhandling, it could mean a fine of up to 50-dollars for the first offense.
The ordinance goes into effect in February. However, the American Civil Liberties Union is raising some questions.
Supporters of the ordinance suggest donating to charity because research shows that the majority of the money given to homeless is spent on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
