We love walking our dog through downtown.  We walk by homeless people all the time and they never bother us.  I find it all interesting and we often stop to buy pizza sit outside with our dog and then walk some more. 
Sometimes I will talk and chat with the homeless for a moment. It's no big deal. It's life and it is the society that we have created so live with it. 

If these business owners were honest they would just say the truth.  Business owners don't want people loitering, they don't want Pitbulls, people sitting in groups on corners, homeless or those who need mental help) in their areas of business.     

This discussion is provoking me to stop buying anything downtown because of the snotty behavior of the businesses towards others.  Be Kind and Love One Another.