I voted against the ordinance that bans lingering (“loitering”) in parking structures because I think it will cause more harm than good, particularly to unhoused residents in our community. Unfortunately, it passed 3-2. I am glad we at least tabled the ban on public sleeping (“camping”), which would further criminalize houselessness. After months of discussion on these two ordinances, the message from East Lansing residents and advocates has been clear: We shouldn’t criminalize unhoused residents in our community. I don’t think either ordinance is the answer to addressing violence, nor do I think the “camping” ban can be reworked to address my concerns, which many others share. No future action will be taken on the camping ban.