HAGERSTOWN – A newly adopted ordinance, set to take effect on Aug. 8, that prohibits sleeping or camping on public property has sparked both passionate support and intense criticism across the City of Hagerstown.
During the July 22 City Council meeting, dozens of residents voiced concerns, praise and deep emotion over the controversial legislation aimed at addressing what city leaders say is a growing crisis affecting public safety and quality of life.
The ordinance, approved earlier this month, empowers the Hagerstown Police Department to issue citations or take enforcement action against individuals sleeping outdoors in public spaces. Supporters argue that the measure is a necessary step to regain control of city parks and sidewalks, ensuring that public spaces remain clean and safe.
Opponents argue the law criminalizes poverty and fails to address the root causes of homelessness, including addiction, mental health and a lack of affordable housing.
A community at a crossroads
During the public comment session, resident Curtis Gray expressed support for the ordinance, citing alarming incidents of drug use and encampments in city parks.
“We’ve seen people openly shooting up heroin where children play,” Gray said. “We need to feel safe walking outside, and police had no enforcement power before. Now they do.”
Gray also emphasized the availability of shelter services in Hagerstown, noting that many programs have vacancies but require participants to abstain from drug use. “We have a vast support network,” he said. “But people have to want help.”
Others, however, shared starkly different perspectives.
Jack Trumbull, who recently moved to Hagerstown from Annapolis, criticized the ordinance as “cruel and un-American,” arguing that it punishes people for being poor. “Why are we fining people who have nowhere to go?” he asked. “We are turning on them in the hardest moments of their lives.”
Gwendolyn McGrath, a former Hagerstown homeowner, also spoke out against the measure, stating, “Every one of us is one broken car, one medical emergency or one job loss away from sleeping on the street.”
Council members address the debate
Council members responded with their reflections and the reasoning behind their decision to support the ordinance. Councilwoman Ericka Bell defended the legislation, highlighting the months of prior discussion and a commitment to pairing enforcement with support.
“We cannot legislate pain out of people’s lives,” Bell said. “But we must balance compassion with accountability. This ordinance is a first step, and we are already discussing rent stabilization and increased resources.”
“We know this won’t solve homelessness,” she continued. “But it gives us a tool to respond in rare cases where individuals refuse services and remain in public spaces.”
Councilman Sean Flaherty emphasized public safety. “We can’t allow what’s happening in San Francisco or Portland to happen here. We’re trying to prevent that trajectory.”
Police clarify intent
Hagerstown Police Chief Paul Kifer addressed concerns during the meeting, clarifying that the ordinance is not intended to result in widespread arrests.
“This is not about locking people up,” Kifer said. “In most cases, we will seek voluntary compliance. We estimate only about 10 individuals per year might be affected.”
Kifer said the department will continue to refer individuals to resources through outreach workers and a civilian liaison. He added that many individuals occupying public spaces are not technically homeless but refuse to engage with support systems.
“We’ve housed several families recently,” he noted. “But we need tools to address individuals who choose not to comply.”
Calls for action and collaboration
Council members and city staff emphasized the need for collaborative solutions. Mayor William McIntire proposed a six-month “sunset clause,” meaning the ordinance will be reviewed in early 2026 to assess its effectiveness. The city is also in discussions with the Hagerstown Housing Authority and other agencies about increasing shelter capacity and creating a year-round weather shelter.
“I welcome ideas and solutions,” McIntire said. “We don’t have all the answers, but we are listening and working toward real improvements.”
Public reaction continues to build
Emails submitted to the council reflect the ongoing tension. One resident called the ordinance “vile” in the face of inflation and a housing crisis. Others praised the city for “taking a stand” to reclaim public safety.
Meanwhile, council members stressed that social media backlash has overshadowed the broader work being done behind the scenes.
“This job isn’t easy,” Councilwoman Tiana Burnett said. “And Facebook comments don’t tell the whole story. We are out there doing the work.”
As Aug. 8 approaches, all eyes in Hagerstown will be on how the ordinance is enforced and whether it serves as a temporary fix or the beginning of a broader strategy to address homelessness and public safety in the city.
