Charlotte City Councilwill vote tonight to restore criminal enforcement for public masturbation, urination and defecation, and open containers, among other offenses.
Why it matters: Uptown residents and business owners say problems have worsened in recent years, especially since the main library closed, where many unhoused people used to gather.
Context: In 2021 a state law decriminalized some city ordinance violations. A handful of penalties were reestablished by city council thereafter, but not all.
Police indicate they have had limited authority to crack down on lewd acts ever since.
Yes, but: Opponents, including advocacy group Action NC, view the harsher penalties as criminalizing homelessness and poverty.
The city is setting up porta potties at North College and 11th streets to address concerns about the lack of public restrooms in center city.
The bottom line: It likely won't be a unanimous vote.
