VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - City Council members are expected to vote Tuesday night on an ordinance to put up signs in the city discouraging people from giving money to panhandlers.
The signs would read, "Give to Many, Not Just One" and would encourage people to donate to community groups who help the community.
City Council member Sabrina Wooten has requested her colleagues approve the ordinance. "This ordinance won't fix everything, but it's a start," Wooten said during an October meeting.
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Wooten said she continues to see panhandlers becoming more and more aggressive. "It's becoming a bit scary in some situations," she said.
Panhandling was illegal in the city until 2018 after courts ruled that it is a form of free speech.
The city does have an ordinance on the books that doesn't let people stand in medians or in a manner obstructing traffic.
Several other localities around Virginia have put up signs discouraging panhandling, including Norfolk.
"It's a step in the right direction. Let's give it a try," Mayor Bobby Dyer told News 3 over the phone.
Tuesday night's meeting begins at 6 p.m.
News 3 spoke with a man panhandling on Bonney Road in Virginia Beach Tuesday. "I think it's fine if it's for safety," Michael Wilson said of the sign proposal.
Even if approved, the program could be discontinued if city staffers don't see a significant decrease in panhandling.
Wilson says he's been panhandling for the past few months to try and keep a roof over his head. "We're out here to do things like shelter for the night," he said.
