ELMIRA, NY (CortacaToday) – Elmira is tackling homeless encampments.

Despite public outcry on Monday, November 18, 2024, the Elmira City Council passed a new law criminalizing camping within the city by a vote of 5 to 2, effective immediately.

According to WETM-TV, about three dozen people attended the meeting and spoke, mostly opposing the proposed law, which came before the council for the third time this year.

First offenders will face up to $500 in fines and 90 days in jail, and a second offense within 18 months comes with up to a $1000 fine, a year imprisonment, or both. Each day someone camps within city limits will count as a separate offense.

The law also empowers Elmira PD, Code Enforcement, and the Sanitation Department to remove campsites and personal property at camping sites.