Elgin approves ordinance aimed at keeping panhandlers out of the middle of city streets

In a move intended to curb panhandling in the middle of city streets, the Elgin City Council on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a change to the city’s ordinance that would prohibit pedestrians from using roadway medians for selling goods or soliciting donations.

The change in the code comes in response to community concerns about people in the middle of the street, City Manager Rick Kozal said.

“The proposed ordinance prohibiting pedestrians from using roadway medians is narrowly focused to address the objective dangers presented when individuals seek to interact with drivers from the narrow roadway medians separating multiple, active traffic lanes,” he said.

City officials say the number of reported accidents at 10 highly trafficked intersections has increased each of the last five years and is up 60% since 2015.

Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said that once the change gets final approval, enforcement would include a period of education.

“It’s a new ordinance. People have to know what’s going on,” she said.

Lalley said first offenders would be informed about the ordinance and warned, and the incident would be documented with evidence collected in case of future complaints. Repeat violators could be charged with misdemeanor obstruction for failure to obey.

“I want to stress that education would be the first component, and then thereafter we would take enforcement action if necessary and required,” she said.

The council approved the move unanimously during a committee of the whole. A final vote will be taken at an upcoming council meeting.