Camping in certain public spaces in Anchorage will soon be a criminal offense, after the Assembly on Tuesday narrowly approved a proposal backed by the mayor.
The ordinance makes it a misdemeanor for homeless residents to camp on streets, sidewalks, railroad tracks and bridges, and within 200 feet of major trail systems. It also criminalizes camping within 500 feet of schools, playgrounds, child care centers and homeless shelters. Plus, the construction of makeshift “hard-walled, hard-roofed, or hard-floored structures” on public land is criminalized.
Initially, the ordinance would have banned all public camping, but Mayor Suzanne LaFrance introduced a more narrow version that she said targets public safety concerns at large camps…