Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Advocates for the homeless in Salt Lake are hearing that the new owners of The Gateway may impose a dress code and may restrict people who are homeless from their restrooms. "When I first started panhandling here, they banned me for life," said William Feller, a veteran with disabilities.
That was more than a decade ago, so Feller stays on the public sidewalk. But the Vietnam War vet said he's never been told to leave because of his clothes. He thinks people should dress appropriately.
"I sit here and read all day. I don't even ask for money," Feller said.
Feller said it's safer than the shelter, only one block away.
"Security has walked by me three times this morning and haven't said a word to me," he said.
Pamela Atkinson, an advocate for the homeless, said if the new owners do have a dress code, she wants to know why they think it is necessary.
Arizona company takes control of The Gateway
A major downtown retail center is under new ownership. Arizona-based real estate firm Vestar announced Tuesday it has acquired The Gateway."I'm not sure how they can tell if somebody is homeless or not," Atkinson said.
She also heard the mall may limit restroom access.
"I know sometimes some of our homeless friends strip down in the restrooms to wash themselves. But, we discourage that because we do have showers at the Wiegand Homeless Day center across the street."
She understands why the mall may be concerned about the impact of the homeless on their business.
"They can appear intimidating," she said.
Some shoppers agree, but don't see how a dress code would change that.
"That kind of again borders on discriminating, and that's a tough one," said Dan Ashby while shopping at The Gateway Mall.
Gateway's management issued the following statement:
Vestar operates a portfolio of 24 million square feet of first class shopping centers throughout the western US. As customary with all of our assets, The Gateway is private property and will be operated in a manner to provide a safe, comfortable and family friendly environment. All of our shopping centers have code of conduct policies, procedures and hours of operation that are adaptable to ensure our customers, employees and visitors have a first class experience.We are working diligently with local government and business leaders, along with various community organizations to ensure that our interest are aligned so that we may accomplish our goals.
Other malls also have dress codes. City Creek Center management said everyone is welcome there but people must wear shoes and clothing. Clothes with visible obscenities are not allowed.
