Wilmington City Council approve ‘camping ordinance’ by 4-3 vote

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington City Council voted on a controversial ordinance during Monday’s meeting.

After multiple changes and with pushback from a large group of residents, Councilman Luke Waddell’s ‘camping ordinance’ was approved by a 4-3 vote.

Waddell introduced the ordinance months ago, but the council voted in August to push back discussion on the ordinance to allow it to be amended.

Last month, David Joyner and Salette Andrews rewrote a part of the ordinance dealing with a ban on people sleeping in their cars in city parking decks.

Sleeping in cars in parking lots will still be allowed.

Andrews, Clifford Barnett, and Kevin Spears voted against it, with Spears voicing his disapproval.

“I would say I’m very disappointed in a few of you tonight,” Spear said.

Waddell said the approval shows the councils’ ability to work together, adding the ordinance will improve safety.

“Takes one person to bring something forward sometimes,” Waddell said. “But then there is discussion and collaboration. Ultimately, we all found something that we could agree on. I think it’s prioritizing public safety and also bringing in some other good ideas from some of the other council members. To me, this is a win.”

Dozens of residents voiced their anger once the ordinance was passed, with some shouting “shame” at the council.

Rebecca Lilly is the executive director of Port City Harm Reduction.

She said programs and other resources should have been prioritized over this ordinance.

“I am disgusted, and we are, all of the programs that we do have are at capacity,” Lilly said. “We need to fund support programs that are low-barrier and accessible. We need to fund and support the community members and the programs that are doing the work here in Wilmington.”

Waddell added that he believes the people need to balance compassion with accountability, which the ordinance does.

Council also passed a resolution to earmark up to $1 million from the city’s fund balance to use in the potential purchase of a property to be used as a new park.

The exact piece of property or the total cost was not shared by city manager Becky Hawke during her brief presentation.

The resolution would also allow the council to reach out to New Hanover County and the New Hanover Community Endowment for possible additional funding.

The resolution was passed by a 6-1 vote, with Kevin Spears voting against it.

It is not yet known when more information regarding this property might be shared with the public.