Greenwich Selectmen Weigh Options To Address Panhandling

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Board of Selectmen initiated a discussion about how to address panhandling in town on Thursday, following multiple complaints from residents in recent weeks.

Panhandlers have reportedly been seen near the I-95 exit 5 entrance and exit ramps in Riverside, and at exits 2 and 3.

Some panhandlers are passive in their approach to panhandling, said Barbara Heins, executive assistant to the first selectman, who walked the board through a brief presentation on Thursday. Others are more aggressive and approach cars and disrupt traffic.

The town has tried to alleviate incidents of panhandling by sending case workers from the Greenwich Human Services Department to meet with panhandlers and get them the appropriate help, but oftentimes appointments are made and ultimately broken, Heins said.

Stamford has put up signs to warn people about the dangers of panhandling. The language on the signs instruct people to donate their money to various social services and human services organizations, and advises panhandlers to call 211 and/or go to the city's website, assuming they have access to the internet, for help.

"The effectiveness of these signs is not known at this point," Heins told the board, noting she reached out to Stamford officials but has yet to hear back.

Greenwich would have to get permission from the Connecticut Department of Transportation to erect signs along exit ramps.

The other option Greenwich could pursue is an ordinance, which would need to be drafted via law and then come through the board of selectmen and ultimately the Representative Town Meeting.

There are more than a dozen municipalities, ranging from Norwalk to New Britain, that have an ordinance in place, all with similar language. Ordinances include fines from $50 up to $250 per offense.

The selectmen briefly discussed their options and left the matter open. They agreed that as hard as it is to not help, residents should not be giving money to panhandlers in the first place.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said observing panhandling can be "heartbreaking," and it tugs at the heart.

"If you give money, you may not be solving the underlying problem. We want them to be off the streets, safe and secure, and making money in a way that's not putting them in danger," noted Camillo, who said the issue is also about getting people with mental illness, alcohol or drug problems the help they need.

"I'm definitely in favor of an ordinance that does not violate anyone's constitutional rights to be out there," Camillo added. "It would have to be tailored narrowly, but also with the best interests not only of the general public, but of the actual panhandlers themselves."

Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan said the town needs to support social service organizations and direct people to those agencies.

Both McGuigan and Selectwoman Lauren Rabin said they were especially concerned with women and young children with panhandlers who are being exploited.

Camillo said the police department is looking into reports of scams involving panhandlers.

"Whatever we do, we need to do it compassionately," Rabin added.

Rabin suggested handing out pamphlets or handouts to people in need, rather than hoping they show up to a human services appointment.

"At the end of the day, no matter what we give them or ask of them or offer them, they will continue to come back if they're making money there," Camillo said. "If people stop giving money, they won't go there. We need to make sure we couple that with the education for people who are out there that there's a better way."

Camillo said he will speak with the town attorney about crafting an ordinance and expanding help for panhandlers. He said the board will "circle back" on the issue at a future meeting.