It’s called public camping.
The city of Cabot, Arkansas has just outlawed it because it’s a loophole for homeless people to sleep in public spaces. Officials are concerned it is leading to a cultural decline in the city.
“Public Camping” Outlawed In Cabot, Arkansas
In a recent 5-2 vote, the Cabot City Council amended an ordinance to ban camping on public property. Council members Maggie Cope and Brandon Hillenburg opposed the measure, with Ron Waymack absent.
The new rule, effective in 30 days, prohibits sleeping on city benches, sidewalks, and the Railyard pavilion. Hillenburg criticized the ordinance for not addressing where the homeless will go next.
He expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive plan for the displaced individuals. Nearby cities’ similar bans have led to an overflow of homeless in Little Rock.
The ordinance exempts properties managed by certain city commissions. Cabot currently lacks designated camping areas for the homeless.
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