"The center’s executive director, Lauren Regan, said the police actions have made many in the community feel less welcome and more afraid to be downtown and that officers have been observed “hassling” homeless people.

“Our community must deal with the lack of services and support for poor and disabled individuals instead of using cops to push these individuals out of sight,” Regan said in a news release. “Placing a booth full of cops in the midst of a highly used public forum is chilling to those who wish to exercise their right to free speech and assembly."

The irony is strong with this one. The homeless make productive members of our community feel unwelcome downtown. The homeless have been observed aggressively "hassling" people for handouts. 

Another irony is restricting a public forum to those who only share your opinion. The police have every right to assemble there as well. 

This is a great start to cleaning up downtown. Here's to hoping this approach continues.