First reading of urban camping ordinance passed in Ringgold

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Ringgold City Council members passed the first reading of an urban camping ordinance. This comes after an emergency ordinance was passed on Monday. It all started when residents showed concern about sex offenders living under a bridge.

Off Highway 41, under a bridge, four sex offenders called this area home. One of them still lives there. He was given a citation and was told he had to leave Thursday night. He had been living under the bridge since April, but was there on and off for three years.

Out of fear, he didn’t want to be identified.

“I had more people being kind to me during that time period until all of this started coming up,” he said.

The Ringgold City Council came up with an emergency urban camping ordinance after residents showed concern. It was passed on Monday and is good for 30 days. They are working on a permanent ordinance. The first reading passed on Thursday.

“Really, it is not like I am sleeping in front of City Hall or the courthouse. I am in an area if you don’t know I am there, you don’t know I am there,” he said.

Holly Scott is a mother of three and lives down the road. When she found out who was living under the bridge, she was worried.

“The bridge is approximately 500 feet from my home. So you can walk from the bridge about 150 feet through the woods and be in my backyard. I was very concerned,” Scott said.

Thursday afternoon, a forum was held to discuss what can be done to help the homeless.
City officials, residents, law enforcement, church leaders and advocates for the homeless all attended.

“These are human beings. They deserve a chance just like everybody else,” said Stephen Wright, an advocate for the homeless.

“They just need a place to be and I guarantee they are willing to give back, if you give to them,” a police officer said.

Scott wants the men to find a permanent place to live.

“As part of my faith, I would like to see these men find another home,” Scott said.

“I did my time for my crime. I am trying to rebuild my life and I have not done anything wrong,” the man said.

The second reading of the ordinance will be in December.