HAMPTON, Va. — City Council deferred a vote Wednesday that would create an ordinance that would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to sleep, camp, or store personal belongings on public property, less than a month after a new regional study revealed a sharp increase in homelessness on the Virginia Peninsula.
The proposed ordinance would apply to all public spaces in Hampton, including sidewalks, parks, beaches, schools, and facilities controlled by the city or affiliated agencies such as the Economic Development Authority and Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Under the measure, violators could face up to a year in jail or a $2,500 fine.
However, before being charged, individuals must first receive a verbal warning and be given a reasonable time to comply, along with information about available shelters and housing assistance…