HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-30-19 Public Comment - G. Owens - HRDC Warming Center SiteFrom:G Owens
To:Sarah Rosenberg; Agenda
Subject:Comment on proposed Westridge Shelter
Date:Wednesday, October 30, 2019 7:25:25 AM
For the past 3 years I’ve coordinated a statewide survey of Montana’s homeless
population. In that capacity, I have trained volunteers to look homeless people in
the eye, use their names, and to treat them with the same respect they would any
other person. And, while I support HRDC and value their work and commitment, I
wish they and the city had shown similar consideration to tax-paying voters and
property owners before dropping the news the way they did about a proposed
shelter less than 300 feet from an elementary school, far from public transportation
and downtown, in a residential neighborhood.
I want to believe that everyone believes the rhetoric that this doesn’t pose any
additional threat to the neighborhood, but if that’s the case, why wasn’t this
communicated in a clear and transparent manner? Why were only homeowners
within 100 feet of the proposed site informed? Why did HRDC staff seem
unprepared to answer and deal with completely predictable questions and
concerns from residents? Why were residents told that there had been no
problems with the previous overflow site when police reports indicate
otherwise? How is it possible that a project like this, which will obviously have an
impact on the neighborhood, can happen with just a signature from a city
employee? The commission should not be allowed to sit on the sidelines on a
decision with this much potential liability involved.
I don’t believe it was intentional, but HRDC and the city have failed us, most of all
the homeless. We need to do something to help our homeless neighbors. Well-
intentioned people can debate the merits of the proposed project, but the way this
is happening should alarm every property owner in town.
Greg Owens
63 Hitching Post Road
Bozeman