The Janesville City Council votes 6-1 to approve an ordinance change that will allow overnight parking for the homeless in the parking lot near the boat landing at Traxler Park.
Paul Williams was the only council member to vote against the change.
The vote specified the location on the northern end of Traxler Park, with a sunset clause that will automatically end the ordinance on October 31, 90 days after it’s implemented on August 1.
More than 20 citizens spoke at during the public hearing on the agenda item, with almost an even split in favor and against the proposal.
The original proposal called for the Palmer Park parking lot, but the city’s parks and recreation advisory committee recommended Traxler Park earlier this month.
The Janesville Police Department will set up security cameras for the parking lot, but they will not be monitored 24 hours a day. Police Chief David Moore will also have the authority to end the program at any time if he has safety concerns.
