Near northside community united to ban sitting or lying on sidewalks

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston community is one step closer in outlawing sitting or lying down on sidewalks.

Near Northside neighbors demanded the city take action and enact a civility ordinance. They recently gathered enough signatures to force a public hearing on the matter. The ordinance is already in effect in other parts of town.

The move comes amid growing complaints of vagrancy and drug use in the area.

The neighborhood is still reeling from the death of 11-year old Josue Flores. A killer stabbed the boy as he walked home from school in May.

Council member Karla Cisneros represents the district. She told abc13 increased police patrols resulted in a crime reduction.

"I understand people are looking for ways to make things better. Things are getting better in Near Northside," said Cisneros. "It's not a complete solution and it forces the problem across the street."

While Cisneros said she understands why the community wants the civility ordinance, she warned it may just push the problem elsewhere. Cisneros said she welcomes more public input on the issue.

The matter heads to a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 5.