City wants to keep public urination funds

[Sister Iroz]

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- The City of Plattsburgh, N.Y., has a problem. Some people apparently think it's a public restroom.

Plattsburgh City Police told NewsChannel 5 public urination is an increasing epidemic in the city. They said it happens all the time throughout city streets, especially in the early morning hours after the local bars close.

Plattsburgh police Lt. Scott Beebie said the most common urination sites are located around downtown business -- particularly on Protection Avenue -- but also throughout downtown public parking lots.

He said people are even caught relieving themselves in the doorways of closed businesses.

Currently, the city follows New York State law and charges violators with disorderly conduct if they are found urinating in public.

But Beebie said disorderly conduct is a violation, and not a stiff enough penalty. "It's not a crime. You cannot get a permanent record for it, but you do subject yourself to confinement and a fine," Beebie said.

And the Plattsburgh City Council decided Thursday night that they should be able to keep the fines paid by people peeing in public.

But Thursday night the City Council voted yes to make disorderly conduct a local law.

"What it does is instead of sending 95 percent of the fine to the state ... we now keep 95 percent of the fine and send 5 percent to the state," City Councilor Chris Jackson said.

Under the new law, money from those urinating in public stays in the city's pocket and goes into the general fund.

"Nothing's changed. The actual wording of the law is no different than it was yesterday, so it's just a matter of keeping money here in the city," said Jackson.

The law will not take effect until is is approval by Mayor Donald Kasprzak and filed with the Secretary of State.

http://www.wptz.com/cnn-news/17980554/detail.html

What r your thoughts?

[MichaelJCheaney]

It tells me that if Downtown looks like a giant toilet bowl, the rest of the city must look like crap too!

[Dakota Valkyrie]

cannot get a permanent record for it

I haven't thought about my permanent record since some 5th teacher threatened me with it...

So they actually didn't change the law...just who got the money. Seems silly that the state got the money for it in the first place.

[MichaelJCheaney]

I say PISS ON IT! let them keep the money.

[Pete Bondurant]

It tells me that if Downtown looks like a giant toilet bowl, the rest of the city must look like crap too!

Plattsburgh, New York is located along the scenic Lake Champlain in the northeastern portion of the state, adjacent to the Adirondack National Park. The city was founded in 1785 by Zephaniah Platt and was incorporated in 1815. It has a population of 18,816. There are many attractions in Plattsburgh. It is common for citisens to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Saranac River that runs through the city centre. The city hosts a popular farmer's market which features fresh fruits and vegetables as well as local crafts. Plattsburgh is also home to the local branch of the State University of New York. Classic film actress Jean Arthur was a native of the city, as well as Edmonton Oilers right wing Jesse Boulerice.