Houston Redevelopment And 'Civility'

"And the redevelopment of downtown as a retail, entertainment and residential center has nurtured an urban spirit less hospitable to the poorest of the poor.Last week, City Council adopted a "civility" ordinance banning aggressive panhandling, "Dumpster diving" and sleeping on downtown sidewalks during daytime hours. A similar measure was proposed last year, but never reached the council.Police say such factors have reduced the prevalence of downtown beggars, although their comments often are based on observation rather than hard statistics."