The Huntington City Council this week rejected a proposed ordinance aimed at improving pedestrian safety and public conduct.
The measure failed on a 7-to-4 vote after strong public opposition, with critics saying it targeted the unhoused population and could restrict free speech.
The proposal would have banned sitting or standing on narrow medians and required sidewalk assemblies to leave a three-foot pedestrian path.
It also sought to add “aggressive conduct” to the city’s disorderly conduct code.
Residents urged council members to table the measure, calling it a threat to First Amendment rights.