Downtown IC: Public square or scary scene?

As you know, Iowa City Councilors are just one vote away from approving panhandling restrictions downtown.

It's something some downtown business owners have asked for because, they say, panhandlers intimidate potential customers. Council member Terry Dickens, who co-owns Herteen & Stocker Jewelers, has been an outspoken advocate of the move.

But a lot of Iowa City folks are against it -- saying, among other things, that they feel perfectly safe downtown. You know I oppose tighter restrictions because I think it's a violation of First Amendment rights and a poorly disguised effort to scrub the Pedestrian Mall of scruffy-looking characters. After all, aggressive panhandling and harassment already are illegal. You can read more of my thoughts on the issue here.

Now a local group opposing the ordinance change has put together a survey to get more opinions. Garry Klein sent this e-mail over the weekend:

As some of you may know, many feel downtown Iowa City is a great place to visit, shop, meet friends, etc. However, it is also a place where some people may feel unsafe. How do you feel about Downtown Iowa City--from a local perspective or from a visitor's perspective? Help inform the Iowa City Council by letting them know what you think by completing this short survey by Tuesday June 1 at 4 pm.

You can take the confidential survey here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J6LHR7G