HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-30-19 Public Comment - A. Schumann - HRDC Warming Center SiteFrom:Amy Schumann
To:Agenda
Subject:Fw: Planned Warming Center on Westridge Ave
Date:Wednesday, October 30, 2019 11:52:12 AM
Hello, Sarah -
I am Amy Schumann and I live at 504 Cutting Street (Figgins Subdivision) and I have
concerns about the proposed Warming Center in South Bozeman. As I know you are
aware, this warming center would be smack in the middle of Morning Star Elementary
(where I have two children attending) + Sacajawea Middle School. Children walk
unattended by this proposed house every day and I have serious concerns about the
location of this warming center which will be staffed by volunteers + HRDC employees.
Below are some of my and my neighbor's concerns:
HRDC does not deny housing for people with a criminal history. There is NO application
process or qualification process to stay the night. Simply show up. As you know, HRDC
does not perform criminal background checks.
HRDC confirmed that people staying at the shelter could have criminal records. At their
men's shelter, police were called out on average 2 times per week this year. Feel free
to explore police records related to this shelter.
HRDC requires the homeless to check all weapons at the door. When we pressed HRDC
on this issue, they referenced "nail files" and avoided any discussion related to "real
weapon types". HRDC worked hard to focus on mild offenses and avoided discussions
related to "what could really happen".
The shelter would be managed from the hours of 7 pm - 7 am by two HRDC volunteers.
That's right...2 volunteers to manage 36 people. But...they do check weapons at the door??
HRDC has not conducted any surveys to determine the impact on the surrounding area.
When asked, they did not know how many children use the cross-walk in front of the
proposed shelter. They were not familiar with existing congestion issues related to
pedestrian and vehicle traffic. They did not know the distance from the house to the
crosswalk.
HRDC will use 2 vans to transport homeless to and from the site each day. Arrival at 7 pm
and departure at 7 am. This conflicts with children who leave early for school activities. It
also conflicts with anyone who uses the crosswalk and sidewalks for early morning runs,
dog walks, etc.
HRDC was not aware of Montana laws related to sexual offenders and restrictions
on proximity to children, schools, public places, etc.
HRDC discourages people from leaving the house at night, but they can't stop them from
doing so. When pressed on this issue, HRDC said they would call the police if someone left
in the night. If this is the course of action, we can expect police searches anytime a person
leaves the shelter between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am.
The house is within 100 yards of school property and within 50 feet of the main
crosswalk for Morning Star School and Sac. I will mention again that HRDC offers
"low barrier" housing and DOES NOT perform background checks.
I agree with the HRDC that we do need more resources for the homeless in Bozeman and
every county across the US. I always want to help ANYONE in need but it seems like a
terrible location choice - between an elementary school + Jr high? With all the money in
our city, one would hope we could afford to build something in a better location (not near an
elementary and middle school) with our tax dollars that I HAPPILY pay to support the
PEOPLE in our community.
Thank you for hearing me + I’m happy to discuss further.
Amy Schumann
t. 406-595-1759