It’s a sight that could soon change with the proposal of a new ordinance banning camping on city property.

Some business owners in the area call it a first step.

“Literally just this morning, I had to politely ask someone to leave,” said Tamara Hanchett, who opened a kiosk on the mall earlier this month.

It’s estimated there are more than 11,000 homeless people living in the Denver metro area.

Homeless advocates complain the ordinance would only be a band-aid on much bigger problem.

“We’re full,” said Alexxa Gagner at the Denver Rescue Mission. “We’re not sure what kind of impact the ordinance would have on us yet.”

The Rescue Mission can house up to 300 people a night. It’s a rarity to find beds left unused. Officials at the shelter say the ordinance can’t be the only solution to the city’s homeless problem.

"It really needs to be part of a bigger solution,” Gagner said. “We need to find more shelter beds and we need to find more providers to step up.”

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is among those supporting the ordinance. District 8 Councilman Albus Brooks, who represents the 16th Street Mall area, has also come out in favor of the measure.

It’s not yet clear how Denver Police would enforce the ordinance, but business owners like Hanchett hope it helps their situation.

"16th Street Mall really has a lot of potential, but there's that certain element that's bringing it down,” Hanchett said.

Hancock told the Denver Post that addressing root causes, including mental health and drug addiction, is key to dealing with problems of the homeless.