Iowa City considers tougher panhandling restrictions

Iowa City panhandlers are urging city leaders not enforce tougher laws that would leave them short on change.

“If they'd understand that for some of us this is the only way we can survive,” explained Georgia Liston, 44, of Iowa City.

Liston sits on a cement curb outside downtown businesses “trying to make some money.”  She usually pockets about 30 dollars a week to buy items she'd otherwise go without.

“Cat food, toilet paper, things that food stamps don't usually buy,” said Liston.

She's not the only one asking for help.  David Crozier of Coralville is a disabled veteran whose monthly government stipend doesn't meet his needs.

“Just doesn't stretch anymore,” said Crozier.  “Cost of living gets higher but our checks don't get any higher.  This is a way to supplement my income.”

Crozier collects about $480 a month panhandling to “pay off the rest of my rent, eat,” he says.

But soon, all panhandlers might need to relocate.

Mayor Matt Hayek says downtown businesses are struggling with excessive and aggressive panhandling that's turning customers away.

Tonight, the city council considers whether to implement more restrictions on panhandling which means coin collecting hot spots would be off limits.

“You've gotta be a certain number of feet from crosswalks, businesses,” explained Mayor Hayek.

Hayek said panhandling is popular here because there's a belief that people living in college communities generally more generous.

But, the city's fed up of hearing about people asking for spare change is upsetting others, but panhandlers are upset about the proposed change.

“I think they shouldn't do that,” said Liston.

Crozier claimed there's “going to be a lot of people out there who aren't going to like it.”

The city doesn't want to leave panhandlers high and dry, so they've got an idea.

Place nine, purple-colored old parking meters downtown so people can donate to help those in need.

The money collected would go to local human service agencies for food, medical care, transportation and other services.

“I'm all for anything that's going to help,” said Crozier.

But Liston disagrees.

“Let people like me and the other people that really need the extra cash do this as long as they do it the legal way,” she said.

The city council will discuss the proposed panhandling changes tonight, then vote Tuesday.  If the ordinance passes three votes, the new law goes into effect in June.

-Jami Brinton, KCRG-TV9 News