The Omaha City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday aimed at reducing panhandling and improve safety conditions at key intersections across the community.The vote was 6 to 1. The proposal bans people from conducting activities on designated medians. The ordinance does not specifically mention panhandling in an effort to avoid a constitutional question about First Amendment rights.Opponents argued the panhandlers will move to other parts of the intersection.In a statement, Mayor Jean Stothert praised the council's vote. "This ordinance addresses public safety and the risk to everyone who uses our city streets," said Stothert. The mayor said the city will use the list of Omaha's most dangerous intersections to decide where the median plans should take place.Council member Vinny Palermo suggested many of those who panhandle take advantage of Omaha's good nature."There are many opportunities for them to make a better life for themselves," said Palermo. "The good and bad part of Omaha being such a gracious city, is that we make it convenient for them to make money to live." Palermo cast the only vote against the ordinance.Ben Gray said the city needs to continue to address the problem of homelessness, but admitted this is not strictly a homeless issue."Many of these are not individuals who are down and out, but they are individuals working their jobs every day," said Gray.

The Omaha City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday aimed at reducing panhandling and improve safety conditions at key intersections across the community.

The vote was 6 to 1.

Advertisement Related Content Signs placed at 72nd, Dodge intersection requesting people not to stand on median

The proposal bans people from conducting activities on designated medians. The ordinance does not specifically mention panhandling in an effort to avoid a constitutional question about First Amendment rights.

Opponents argued the panhandlers will move to other parts of the intersection.

In a statement, Mayor Jean Stothert praised the council's vote.

"This ordinance addresses public safety and the risk to everyone who uses our city streets," said Stothert.

The mayor said the city will use the list of Omaha's most dangerous intersections to decide where the median plans should take place.

Council member Vinny Palermo suggested many of those who panhandle take advantage of Omaha's good nature.



"There are many opportunities for them to make a better life for themselves," said Palermo. "The good and bad part of Omaha being such a gracious city, is that we make it convenient for them to make money to live."

Palermo cast the only vote against the ordinance.

Ben Gray said the city needs to continue to address the problem of homelessness, but admitted this is not strictly a homeless issue.

"Many of these are not individuals who are down and out, but they are individuals working their jobs every day," said Gray.