Battle Creek Panhandling Law Discussion Continues

An informational session this week concerning Battle Creek's approach toward aggressive panhandling downtown revealed general overall support for adding teeth to the law.

Battle Creek City Commissioner Mark Behnke and City Attorney Jill Steele tell WBCK the whole discussion has been motivated by a group of aggressive panhandlers in downtown who have pushed the patience of many residents, including city employees.

"These people are not hungry," Steele said, saying city employees have offered the group food and loose change, which many of them will throw away.

Steele also said similar laws put in place in some Grand Rapids suburbs have been largely deemed successful, thereby setting a precedent for what is being discussed in Battle Creek.

Click the player below to hear the Behnke/Steele comments.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on WBCK.