Georgetown seeing influx of panhandlers, following Lexington ordinance closely

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WTVQ)- Some neighboring towns are paying attention to Lexington’s new panhandling ordinance because they think panhandlers might leave Lexington, and go to those other towns. Georgetown’s mayor says his city could could soon pass an ordinance just like Lexington’s.

Some people in Georgetown say they are seeing an increase in panhandlers in shopping centers like Kroger. It does not bother some people, but others say they want to see the city do something about it.

Teresa Williams says her typical Georgetown shopping outings have become more intimidating lately. She says she is seeing more and more panhandlers.

“I don’t like it because of the safety with traffic,” Williams said.

She says she would love to see the city enact a panhandling ordinance like Lexington just did Thursday night. It is a new law Georgetown Mayor Tom Prather says he plans to watch closely ater it goes into effect in 60 days.

“We want to wait for that 60 days and then look at what Lexington’s experience is and then we may copy that same ordinance and apply it here,” Prather said.

“If they stand there on the side of the road with their sign and they don’t get aggressive I don’t mind it, but sometimes they get aggressive,” Bradley says his peers on the council have been talking about what they will do to keep people safe, and whether that means eliminating panhandlers. Mayor Prather says hopefully Georgetown can go to school on Lexington’s experience.
Councilman Bradley says the council is already working on a traffic ordinance that would keep people from jaywalking or standing in medians. He thinks that could help reduce the number of panhandlers.