A divided Denver City Council voted early this morning to preliminarily approve a homeless camping ban after almost five hours of discussion and testimony that ended after the vote at 1:35 a.m.

The council meeting drew hundreds of people seeking to comment during a two-hour courtesy public hearing that filled the council chambers and forced a separate room to be opened for the overflow.

The council voted 9-4 in support of the measure that would make unauthorized camping illegal in the city aimed at reducing the numbers of homeless people sleeping on the streets. Robin Kniech, Susan Shepherd, Debbie Ortega and Paul Lopez voted “no.” Three amendments were voted down.

The final vote will be May 14.

About 100 people spoke both for and against the measure that, if passed, will go into effect on May 29.

The controversy surrounding the proposal presented itself in stark detail as proponents and opponents alternated at the podium at the two-hour hearing.

Many of Denver’s elite came to support the bill, including business leaders, attorneys and civic leaders. They spoke about the damage the numbers of homeless people are causing to the downtown core and the financial implications.

And many advocates for the homeless, including homeless people, spoke against the bill.

“Everything I hear is either compassion or profit,” said Rain, a 22-year-old who is living at Urban Peak and is against the measure.

Opponents believe this measure will criminalize homelessness, that it was drawn up without community involvement and that there aren’t enough services in place.

“How much are we going to increase with the homeless,” asked David Blank. “This law is too broad and costs too much money. It’s dehumanizing for people.”

But proponents say the issue has put a problem into stark focus. They say without it, there wouldn’t be 200 more shelter beds for the summer or a plan to create a 24-hour resource center for homeless. But many said the law is necessary because people are choosing to stay away from doing business downtown.

“I urge you to vote for this,” said Bill Chrismer, owner of GQ Barber Lounge. “Let’s talk about the problem. We need money to solve the problem, and money comes from businesses, tourists, meeting planners. I am embarrassed that we have this problem in Denver.”

Wendy Klein, sales manager of The Palm Restaurant downtown, said she wants the law for personal safety for the guests and staff.

“They are intimidated,” she said. “They are afraid to go out there after dark. One guest was stabbed. We have witnessed break-ins. People are constantly asking ‘what we are doing to end this?’ That is why I am here.”

Councilman Paul Lopez, who is against the measure on the split Denver council, noted the divide in the comments.

“I see a conflict between the powerful in this city and the powerless,” he said. “This isn’t an attack on folks who have businesses here in Colorado. They do a lot for the homeless. For me it is deeper than that. I didn’t choose to be here to defend the most powerful. I am here to defend the people who don’t have the power.”

Councilman Charlie Brown, who supports the measure, remarked that he was moved by the business people who talked about their workers being scared to leave the businesses at night and the tourists who are giving the city a bad grade.

“I have read the letters,” he said. “They usually end, sadly, ‘we will not come back to Denver.’ That is a powerful message and one that we must heed. This industry is dependent on a clean city. It takes years to develop a bad image. It takes decades to improve.”

Council President Chris Nevitt at times had to remind the crowd to refrain from applause, and even threatened to clear the chambers. Mostly, the crowd of opponents raised their hands and shook their fingers in a “jazz hands” salute if they liked what was being said.

They pointed their fingers down if they didn’t like what was being said.

“This is a deeply complex problem,” said Councilman Albus Brooks, the bill’s sponsor. “We are going to disagree on the problems. I hope we can come together on the solutions. Be moved by action, rather than throwing darts we all need to see what we can give into this.”

What do you think? Are downtown Denver businesses so threatened by the influx of the homeless that this step is necessary? Please comment below.