Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska has won a court restraining order against Anchorage’s camping ordinance. The ordinance was aimed at the homeless who were camping in city parks, and allowed police to buy kamagra online seize and destroy the possessions of the homeless campers after issuing a five-day notice. State Superior Court judge Mark Rindner ordered a 10-day restraining order against the city’s ordinance based on issues of constitutionality raised by the ACLU. Jeffrey Mittman is the Executive Director for ACLU in Alaska.
Mittman says the ordinance has serious flaws which violate property rights which are protected by both the federal and state constitutions, arguing that the ordinance does not notify campers of the specific violations they must defend against, and that it does not determine whether or not the property of the homeless is abandoned.
Municipality of Anchorage attorney Dennis Wheeler says the city ordinance notifies illegal campers that they need to remove their belongings or file an appeal before a hearing officer. Wheeler says the appeal process gives the illegal camper time and help in removing property.
Wheeler says the option of holding homeless property is not feasible under the city’s current budget situation.
Mittman says the temporary restraining order opens the way for the ACLU to seek a permanent restraining order against the ordinance.
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