PHOENIX, Ore. — A meeting of the Phoenix City Council on Monday night saw the approval of a new ordinance, establishing an offense for Chronic Nuisance that would be enforceable and punishable by law.
Supporters of Ordinance No. 994 brought the idea to the city as a way of fighting back against notorious 'drug' houses in Phoenix neighborhoods—houses that are the epicenter of suspicious activity, according to neighbors, but are often difficult for law enforcement to cite for any clear reason.
The ordinance had its first reading at a City Council meeting on May 21, and was approved unanimously by the six Councilors present, with recommendations to the City Attorney Douglas McGeary for changes and clarifications. That meant that the ordinance moved on to a second reading on Monday, where it was approved once again.
City procedures dictate that the ordinance will become final after 30 days, unless subject to a citizen referendum.
The text of the ordinance at its first reading may be viewed below:
