Ithaca officials are still trying to figure out how to keep aggressive panhandlers from becoming a pest to people making their way through areas of the city.

Police have seen an uptick in aggressive panhandling this year, with some people getting a little out of hand when asking for spare change.

Gary Ferguson heads the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, and said Wednesday that businesses on the Commons have asked them to see what can be done. He says it’s a “particular concern for some folks.”

Businesses in the downtown area are concerned about panhandlers who may be blocking the path of people as they wait at ATM’s, or even for a bus.

“These are things where your path is pretty much defined,” said businessman John Guttridge. “If somebody’s obstructing your path, or sufficiently close to it that it’s intimidating or uncomfortable, then they really should find another place to do what they’re doing.”

Ferguson and members of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance have recommended the city update its panhandling laws to restrict the practice to certain areas, including more than 25 feet away from public bus stops.

City lawmakers held a public meeting Wednesday night, where the topic was discussed. No action was taken.