BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- As the city faces growing reports of vagrancy and sanitary concerns in local parks, council has decided to enact a stricter curfew and probity overnight stays.

On Monday council set a public hearing that would allow the city to make several changes to the city code.

Under the proposal city code would be modified to close parks from 10 p.m.to 5 a.m. Previously parks had been closed at 11 p.m.

Additionally the city  proposed a code change to end vehicular traffic at the city docks at 9 p.m. Previously it had been allowed until 11 p.m. Although the marina remains open to renters at all hours, quiet hours would run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Previously quiet hours began at 11 p.m.

The city also proposed a  code to prohibit towing tubes or other inflatable devices with passengers within 100 feet of the marina or municipal dock.

Although the city code already prohibited camping in parks, the section of the law would be changed to clarify that sleeping in parks overnight is no longer allowed without a permit.

It would also allow the city manager and chief of police to prohibit animals at certain events.

The hearing resolution was read by Police Chief Mark Kearns and approved unanimously by council.

Mayor Michael Tooley said that hearing would be held Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

At that time the public will have the ability to share comments in favor or opposition of the proposal.

Following the hearing city council will likely act on a resolution making the proposed code changes into law.

Since 2021, Ogdensburg has seen an uptick in the number of homeless persons in the city. That problem has been accompanied by a growing number of reports of needles, drug paraphernalia and feces found in public places.

Those issues and vandalism at local parks led the city to implement curfews at the city's parks and greenspaces. The city also saw an uptick in small crimes at the same time the police department saw cuts, though some of those positions have since been restored.

Attempts were made to bolster a neighborhood watch program, but those plans haven't seen the level of participation the city had hoped.

The city has had some good news recently that could help some people find permanent homes in Ogdensburg.

A nearly $10 million grant will allow STEP by STEP Inc. to bring 42 permanent housing units to the former Lincoln School property.