HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-19 Public Comment - W. and J. Ruff, S. Chambers, E. and K. Ruff - HRDC Warming Center Site1
Sarah Rosenberg
From:Ruff, Julie <julie.ruff@montana.edu>
Sent:Sunday, October 27, 2019 6:35 PM
To:Sarah Rosenberg
Subject:Shelter at 3025 Westridge Drive
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing in protest of the proposed low barrier entry homeless shelter at 3025 Westridge Drive. My objections to this
proposed multi family unit are as follows:
This shelter is located in a single family neighborhood, away from public transportation and amenities particularly for
individuals without accessible means of transportation. Further, the proposed accommodation is within 300 feet of an
elementary school and two blocks from a middle school both of which participate in the safe bike and walking pathways
to schools which cross directly past the south side of this home.
There is no evidence to support that the average number of police call outs for previous locations would change with
a new location, nor should we assume the type of complaints and reasons for call outs would change, domestic
disturbances, warrants, disorderly conduct, assault, trespass, theft all within 6 months at the previous location.
A disregard of current zoning regulations in order to accommodate a high risk high volume accommodate is a breach of
trust to the families who have already chosen to live in this particular part of town, largely so that they may provide for
their children and families a safe place in which to learn, grow and play and recreate. To accomplish these goals, families
have made commitments to the single largest investment of their lives while sacrificing much to meet these goals .
Sacrifice includes hard work , saving , volunteering within our communities and letting our voices be heard.
Homeless shelters are necessary to care for the needs of others, this caring and family oriented neighborhood is not
selfish and uncaring but rather recognizes that shelters belong in locations whereby both those who require the services
offered and those residing nearby have all of their needs met—such as safety for all, transportation, access to grocery
stores, food banks, places of employment, child care facilities—all of which are not available in this location.
Sincerely,
Dr. William G Ruff, Dr. Julie H. Ruff,
Sarah A. Chambers,
Emily J. Ruff, Katherine E. Ruff
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