FESTUS, Mo. — The Festus City Council recently passed an ordinance limiting the times people are allowed on municipal property, in response to recent problems caused by a rising homeless population.
Council members voted unanimously last month to adopt the ordinance, which restricts the public from occupying property “owned, leased and/or maintained by the city” between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. This property includes city streets, sidewalks and other public property, including parks.
Mayor Sam Richards said that while Festus officials are sympathetic to the plight of the unhoused, they believe business owners, city employees and residents need protection from those who would block entry into businesses or leave behind potentially dangerous materials behind.
“It has become a problem, especially for the businesses along Main Street and other parts of the city,” Richards said. “We have to do something to protect the businesses along Main Street.
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