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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement May 1, 2006 [an error occurred while processing this directive] Ashland struggles with Plaza panhandling By ROBERT PLAIN for the Mail Tribune ASHLAND — Aggressive panhandling and loitering at the Plaza topped the list of business owners' concerns during a meeting with consultants to plan the future of downtown. James Main, an administrator at Southern Oregon University who has lived in Ashland a year, said he has grown tired of the "undesirable element" on the Plaza. "You are preaching to the choir here," said Matt Frey, the owner of the Plaza store Rare Earth. Frey explained the line between legal and illegal begging during the Wednesday morning meeting. "If you say 'no' or nothing, and they make any other comment, it's classified as aggressive panhandling," he said. "The police really need you to respond." Under the First Amendment, U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to ask for money in public places. Ashland has an ordinance barring aggressive panhandling, defined as when asking for money infringes upon the rights of the person being asked. Ron Hanson, whose father owns Gold & Gems on the Plaza, believes panhandling has become more aggressive. Police would do more about it if they could, he said. "Police's hands are tied because of something called the Constitution," he said. "It's unfortunate this has become an opportunity for business owners to bash homeless people when we're supposed to be here to look at how planning affects the business atmosphere," said Eric Navickas, an activist who has spoken out on Plaza issues. Ron Roth, co-owner of Geppetto's Restaurant, said, "I am personally a lot more intimidated by young cops with shaved heads and guns than I am by young couples with dreadlocks and a puppy." Hanson said people unfamiliar with the situation on the Plaza are failing to recognize the difference between people in need and a segment of society that has become intimidating to his clientele. Frey said people have "spit on people and cussed them out." He added that "little old ladies" have been accosted and surrounded. George Crandall and Don Arambula, the downtown planning consultants, said there are methods by which planning and design can affect this situation. They said re-invigorating the Plaza with local residents will drive away aggressive panhandlers. Susan Powell, owner of Pilaf Restaurant and a member of the downtown plan committee, echoed this point. "Besides just calling the police, I'm going to make it a point to use the Plaza," she said. "We don't use our public spaces as much as we should. If the public isn't using it, then it becomes abused." Robert Plain is a reporter for the Ashland Daily Tidings. He can be reached at 482-3456 or [email protected]. Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy