Homeless people in Janesville now have a second option to legally sleep in their vehicles overnight.
The city council voted Monday night to amend its overnight parking ordinance to allow the homeless to park at the Hedberg Public Library parking lot in addition to the city’s municipal lot across from the police station on Jackson Street.
The council acknowledged it does not have a perfect solution to help the homeless in the community but felt expanding the program could improve the current offering.
ECHO Executive Director Jessica Locher said her organization received feedback from the parking lot users that it was difficult to sleep at the Jackson Street lot due to its close proximity to Highway 51 and the sirens that accompany the nearby hospital and police station.
Local service providers have recommended the city find a location with access to electricity and running water, and the council directed city staff to continue supplying portable toilets at both parking lot locations.
Council member Susan Johnson, who sits on the library board of trustees, said library director Bryan McCormick was in favor of the decision.
