FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) — People spoke up at Fargo’s City Commission meeting over concerns of homeless camps growing in popularity along the river.
The commission is considering an ordinance related to camping on public land, and have looked into the legality in their discussions.
The Supreme Court determined it is not cruel and unusual punishment to not allow camping on public property.
The City of Fargo has a public campground at Lindenwood Park. The cost per night to camp there is $35.
Commissioner Dave Piepkorn said there should be a fine for camping in a park that isn’t a public campground. He added that the issue at hand is about camping and not about a specific group.
“We should not be singling out anybody. This should be for everybody,” Piepkorn said. “Camping is only permitted in public campgrounds where we have sanitation, safety, and all those types of things.”
Fargo homeowner Mark Bosserman said he wants everyone to feel safe. He and wife, who uses the bike path often, brought up other issues such as litter, sanitary concerns, and the beauty of the parks.
“We want to work with you guys and, as citizens, we want to know what we can do to help and how we can make it like, Mr. Piepkorn said, good for everyone,” Bosserman said. “If they’re paying to camp in Lindenwood, why aren’t they paying to camp out in front, all the way up to [City Hall].”
Commissioners said they need to get on the same page as the Fargo Park District.
Commissioner John Strand said he would like to see what the laws are in Moorhead before moving forward.
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