Tents, shopping carts, park use: Proposed rules could change how Albuquerque addresses the homeless crisis

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque city councilor is looking to make big changes to how the city deals with the homeless crisis. Several resolutions could change rules about public camping, abandoned shopping carts, and the use of public parks.

"There have been children that have stepped on needles in parks," said Albuquerque City Councilor, Renee Grout. "They see people that are passed out in parks."

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According to city documents, if approved, one of Councilor Grout's proposals would prohibit camping, or setting up tents in public parks, playgrounds, or open spaces. There would be exceptions for youth groups, who would need prior approval from the city. It would also make it unlawful to have shopping carts at parks.

"Our children should not be subject to seeing this in a public park," Councilor Grout said.

Another resolution would make it illegal to possess carts outside of a retailer's property. Possession of a cart would result in a petty misdemeanor and could include fines or jail time. However, a judge would be able to give a community service sentence instead.

"We see them all over. We see abandoned carts," said Councilor Grout.

The resolution would also put more responsibility on businesses to prevent cart thefts, requiring them to submit a plan to the city on steps they're taking to keep carts secure.

"As a business owner, we are responsible for what makes our business tick, and they just need to be more responsible for the carts," Councilor Grout explained.

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The new rule would allow the city to collect shopping carts and hold them for up to 30 days, before being considered "forfeited."

Businesses would have seven days to pick up their property for a $25 fee. An extra $5 will be tacked on for every day after. Forfeited carts would be recycled, donated, or repaired and sold.

Councilor Grout is hopeful these changes will reduce the number of abandoned shopping carts across the metro and help keep sidewalks and streets clean.

"We just want our children and our grandchildren and neighbors to be able to enjoy our beautiful, public spaces," Councilor Grout added.