HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-19 Public Comment - J. Carter - HRDC Warming Center SiteFrom:Jeanne Carter
To:Agenda
Subject:3025 Westridge Warming Shelter
Date:Sunday, November 03, 2019 7:13:21 PM
I strongly support HRDC’s 3025 Westridge Transitional Housing Special Use Permit applicationbecause it meets exactly the objectives of Bozeman’s recently drafted Community Housing ActionPlan and because it’s the right thing to do. I have read with dismay the Westridge neighborhooderroneous and intolerant summary of concerns about this project. They point out that HRDC will notprovide screening or background checks of the shelter residents but fail to include any justificationof why such vetting is necessary. Are they implying that if someone is housing insecure thissomehow links them directly to criminal activity? The HRDC submitted a management plan with itsapplication that illustrates how it will operate the shelter which should address any concerns abouthow residents will be managed. The neighborhood complaint also raises ire about the shelter’sproximity to schools. Residents will be bussed in at night and out in the morning which means thesite will be totally devoid of occupants between 7am to 7pm – making this point totally moot. Similarly, all points raised in the neighborhood document appear unfounded.
I reviewed UDC 38.360.135 and the application complies with all requirements. I am aware of
recent development projects in residential areas that though the neighborhood advocated against
them, were moved forward because they were deemed compliant with zoning and code conditions.
Similarly, I urge you to approve this project as is because it complies with Bozeman code and fulfills
the Community Housing Action Plan. In fact, please expedite it because the majority of us believe
that everyone deserves a warm, safe place to sleep at night and Bozeman clearly needs more such
places as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Jeanne Carter