KENSINGTON (KYW Newsradio) — A controversial new law restricting mobile services in Kensington was supposed to take effect late last month, but enforcement has been delayed by a lag in the licensing and permitting processes.
The new rules restrict mobile service providers to two spots off Kensington Avenue — one on Allegheny Avenue and one on Lehigh Avenue — between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
It was a controversial law to pass, with advocates testifying weekly at city council that it would harm those struggling with addiction. Sponsor Quetcy Lozada amended it twice to address those concerns, but argued the providers were drawing crowds and leaving behind trash on people’s doorsteps and near schools.
Lozada said the delay in enforcing the new rules has nothing to do with the controversy. She said the city simply wasn’t ready with the complex licensing and permitting process involving multiple departments.Three different departments are involved in administering the new law.
“What is important is that we get this right. If we rush this, individuals that need to be connected with services don’t get those services,” said Lozada. “So I’m frustrated like residents are frustrated. I’d like to see this move quicker, but I think more important than anything we need to make sure that it’s done right from the very start.”
Even without enforcement, Lozada said providers are mostly adhering to the new restrictions.
“We’ve [seen] some folks kind of shift how and where they’re doing services, which was the goal. I think everyone understands now the damages they were doing on people’s doorstep,” she said.
Kensington Hospital’s city-contracted wound care van has relocated to the sanctioned area of Allegheny Avenue. A staff member said regular patients are still showing up daily and some new patients have discovered it, but there are concerns that some with wounds won’t know where to go.