ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- City Council is considering a request from Police Chief George J. Lichman to adopt legislation prohibiting camping on public property and within rights-of-way, as well as sleeping in city parks.

Rocky River is the latest Northeast Ohio community to consider laws aimed at reducing citizen concerns about homeless individuals.

“Over the past several years, both residents and members of council have expressed concerns to the Division of Police about the increased presence of unhoused individuals in Rocky River,” Lichman wrote to City Council in asking for adoption of two ordinances.

“These concerns consistently relate to the safety, security and welfare of both community members and those individuals who appear to be in need of safe housing.”

When the police department

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