RUTLAND TOWN, Vt. (WCAX) – Rutland Town officials are considering adding informational signs to cut down on panhandling after several skirmishes outside the Green Mountain Plaza.
The town used to have laws against panhandling, but they were repealed in 2018. Police say the change has led to some recent fights.
“Off the top of my head, there’s been two accidents occurred because of panhandlers getting in the way. And now recently, there’s been at least three or four different — maybe more than that, maybe half a dozen — in the last three years. In the last, actual physical fights going on between the panhandlers to determine who can get money,” said Rutland Town Police Chief Ed Dumas.
Now, town officials have proposed adding signs that detail organizations people can donate to. They’re working with the mall’s owners to determine the locations. Selectboard members also believe removing the island at the entrance to the plaza will reduce panhandling, but that can’t happen without state approval.