HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-19 Public Comment - A. and M. Ricci - HRDC Warming Center SiteFrom:Ariel Ricci
To:Sarah Rosenberg; Agenda
Subject:Proposed shelter on Westridge Dr.
Date:Sunday, October 27, 2019 6:11:30 PM
To whom it may concern,
I'm writing to voice my concern about the homeless shelter proposed for 3025 Westridge Dr.
My husband and I chose to purchase a home in this neighborhood in large part due to the closeproximity to schools, the single-family environment, and the safety of the area. All three of
these main priorities for my family (and many others) are at risk if the city agrees to allow theshelter to be at the proposed address.
Please understand my intention is not to be oblivious or callous about an obvious housing need
in Bozeman. I am in support of such shelters to help people who need a hand. However, Istrongly feel that this is not an appropriate location for such a facility.
The proposed number of people who will be in and out of this house on a daily/weekly/yearly
basis is significant. This area is already overly congested with traffic around the beginning andend of the school day. I understand the HRDC will offer to shuttle residents to this house, but
some will have their own transportation and this will contribute to the parking and drivingcongestion. In addition, my understanding is that the HRDC will not do screening or
background checks of individuals who could be housed here. This is one of the greatestconcerns. For a neighborhood comprised of single families, such a vast influx/rotation of
people, some of whom will potentially have criminal backgrounds, is of great concern. Myconcern about potential criminal activity is not just about the shelter's residents either. It is
plausible that some residents may be in relationships involving abuse, violence, and/orsubstance abuse and their partner may show up at the shelter even if not staying there. There is
no method to restrict potentially dangerous individuals from frequenting the house. When Ilook at the crime/police reports related to other local shelters, I see assault, trespassing,
disorderly conduct, theft, warrants for arrest, and disorderly conduct. My children walk pastthis house at least twice per day, as do probably hundreds of others. The potential negative
impact this activity would have on our children and neighborhood is frightening.
Logistically, I don't understand how this location is of benefit to the potential residents either.It is not centrally located, or even close in proximity to potential jobs, public transportation, or
other resources for the residents.
Additionally, if the city approves a change in the R1 zoning for this house, that sets aprecedent for other homes to request zoning changes. Again - most who live in this and
surrounding neighborhoods chose them because of their current zoning and amenities (single-family, low traffic, low noise, low crime, etc.).
Please, please do not approve the zoning change and using this location for the shelter.
Everyone I've spoken with about this issue is in full-support of such a shelter - just in a moreappropriate location. We are all very concerned about the health and safety of our families and
neighborhoods, and that will be severely compromised if the city chooses to allow approvethis shelter.
Please contact me if you have questions or would like to discuss further.
Best regards,
Ariel and Max Ricci3184 Gardenbrook Ln.
-- Ariel and Massimiliano Ricci
Rodan + Fields Independent ConsultantsVisit ricci.myrandf.com for interest in the award winning products.ricci.myrandf@gmail.com406-600-2202 A406-579-0259 M