FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — The city of Frederick has unanimously agreed to ban camping in Carroll Creek Linear Park.

The Frederick News-Post reports that the Board of Alderman passed the ban at a meeting Wednesday.

The board also agreed that camping as defined in the ordinance would become a misdemeanor. The ordinance defines camping as using city property for “living accommodation purposes,” such as pitching a tent or laying down bedding. The original wording of the ordinance would have made camping a finable infraction.

The aldermen and others at the meeting said the issue of homelessness in the city needs further discussion. The board plans to discuss homelessness at a meeting on July 18.

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