Proposed restrictions on panhandling are part of a broad effort to attack “explosive” growth in activities that frighten and intimidate many residents, Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer said Friday.

Salyer said the mayor and six of the other seven council members have signed on as co-authors of her proposal to make it a misdemeanor to panhandle from the median of city streets.

The measure also would eliminate exceptions for charitable solicitations.

That is prompting dismay on the part of firefighters whose “Fill the Boot” campaigns collect hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.