SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — The San Diego City Council on Monday voted unanimously to repeal a vehicle habitation ordinance.
The council said they did not have much of a choice in taking their final vote on the matter because a federal court had already ruled it is illegal to ban people from living in their cars on streets where anyone else can legally park.
Beach-area residents at the council meeting spoke about the issues they see with people living in their cars. One woman who spoke said people living in a vehicle outside her home have left trash and even defecated in front of her house.
Residents told the council they need to provide safe parking areas for those living in their cars with facilities like bathrooms and trash cans.
"We hear you. We're working on your side,we want to help you and we want to help those who need more available housing for themselves - and we are working on this," said councilmember Dr. Jen Campbell.
One homeless man spoke with News 8 saying he thinks the homeless are being unfairly targeted by residents. He also said he believes a lot of people leaving bars litter and urinate in the Gaslamp and beach areas, but that the homeless get blamed. The man also agreed that the city needs to provide more resources, including bathrooms, for everyone.
The council said they will continue to work on this issue to find solutions that work for the community.
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