Here is a look back at five impactful stories to come out of Sterling in The first phase began in November with the construction of a new park, including a multi-age, accessible playground, splash pad, plaza, park shelter, stage facility and restrooms. Artists' renderings are put on display Tuesday, Oct. Alex T. That could be followed by market-rate apartments, a fitness center and yet-to-be-determined uses of the National site.
Sterling's homeless population has been a growing point of discussion throughout City officials, along with the Sterling Police Department, were experiencing an increasing number of complaints from residents and business owners about unruly homeless individuals.
Those calls resulted in custodial arrests and nine state citations ranging from property crimes, drug-related offenses, and violent crimes to disorderly conduct and public disturbance, obstruction and identification issues, as well as violations of sex offender registration and protection orders. Police and city officials have said many of those service calls involved homeless individuals dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues who refuse to accept help.
The city began exploring options to help the situation following a U. Supreme Court action that now allows cities to establish an ordinance to ban sleeping and camping in public spaces. The U. Johnson, overturned a lower court's ruling that had prohibited cities from enforcing public camping ordinances, which had been deemed cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Now, municipalities can create and enforce these ordinances, even if local shelters cannot accommodate their homeless populations.
Shelter Director Myles Newberry recently asked the public for assistance after the Sterling City Council passed an ordinance banning public camping on Dec. The ordinance bans public camping, including setting up campsites, tents and bedding or sleeping in vehicles on public property, such as sidewalks, streets, parks and city-owned land. PADS can house up to 32 people per night.
