The Woonsocket City Council passed two measures Monday addressing the homelessness crisis.

Residents voiced fears that visible homelessness keeps people from visiting Woonsocket businesses, but critics argue that a camping ban won't help.

WOONSOCKET – Citing complaints about litter and drug use at homeless encampments, the City Council voted on May 5 to ban camping on public property. The ordinance narrowly passed on a 4-3 vote.

Incumbent Christopher Beauchamp narrowly defeated challenger John Ward in the Woonsocket mayor's race on Tuesday. Election night results showed Beauchamp with 51.2% of the vote and Ward with 47.8% ...