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We've reported over the years about problems caused by day laborers loitering at the corner of Davie and Jones Ferry Roads in Carrboro. Police and neighbors have cited drunkenness, public urination and other problems. Some residents have said they felt unsafe or uncomfortable walking past the crowds of men who lingered long after contractors came by to pick up workers for the day.

Tonight the Board of Aldermen gets a report that says the town's year-old anti-lingering ordinance has worked. According to staff observation, communication with El Centro Latino and contact with residents in the Davie Road/Glosson Circle/Alabama Avenue neighborhood, trash and behavioral problems are down.

The ordinance allows police to arrest those hanging around after 11 a.m. It gives police a stick to use if they can't persuade people to move on. "In fact, officers have not had to arrest anyone for violation of this ordinance," Police Chief Carolyn Hutchison reports. "I recommend that we keep the ordinance on the books."