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New Fayetteville ordinance could fine those who give money to panhandlers

There is a new push in Fayetteville aimed at people who give money to panhandlers. People who make donations on the side of the road may be subjected to fines under a new ordinance being drafted by the city council.

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — There is a new push in Fayetteville regarding people who give money to panhandlers.

People who make donations on the side of the road could be subjected to fines under a new ordinance being drafted by the city council.

Jessica McPhaul has been panhandling on street corners for several years and doesn't agree with the proposed ordinance.

"If somebody is willing to donate and help somebody that's trying to do what they can, as opposed to robbing and stealing and boosting...yeah, I think it's ludicrous," McPaul said.

The ordinance would target major intersections — the places panhandlers say they collect the most cash.

Larry West said people should have a right to give him money any place they see fit.

"It's still wrong what they're doing to me because if a man wants to give me some money, give me some money," he said. "If you look down and out and I want to give you some money why (are) you going to charge me because I want to help somebody?"

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said this is not a panhandling ordinance, but that it is designed to keep traffic moving and intersections safe.

He said the ordinance would impact more than panhandlers.

"You see people doing fundraisers, you see carwashes, you see Girl Scouts sometimes, other places make their transactions in the intersections, and that's not safe," Colvin said. "It's not safe for the drivers, it's not safe for those who are participating."

But people who survive on the streets aren't buying that explanation. They believe it's targeted directly at them.

Colvin said they're still fine-tuning the ordinance, which still has to clear a number of legal hurdles. Once passed, violators would get a warning citation from Fayetteville Police and eventually fines ranging from $25 to $500.

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