HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-10-23 Public Comment - A. Chester - Urban Camping is a PROBLEMFrom:Alaina Chester
To:Agenda
Subject:Urban Camping is a PROBLEM
Date:Wednesday, May 10, 2023 4:23:00 PM
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Dear City of Bozeman Commissioners,
Stop pushing out contributing members of our community by allowing explicit behavior fromthose who don't. The city of Bozeman needs to have a serious conversation about
homelessness and urban camping before it is too late and out of control. This directly affectsme because my place of work is on West Hemlock, where we consistently have issues with
our "neighbors" who deal drugs and use the street as their bathroom. I have actively seen atleast two drug deals from my desk at this point, and one of my coworkers has witnessed a
"number 2" in action. We have been threatened by them and have seen fist-fighting betweenthemselves. Although police try to corral these folks there are no laws on this street.
I am a 23-year-old 115lb woman who would like the opportunity to go to work early or leave
late. I currently do not have the luxury because I do not feel safe at my place of work alonedue to the people outside. I moved to Bozeman from Spokane 5 years ago in the hopes to get
away from things like this! I am no nark or prude, but this is out of hand. Not only is mysafety a concern, but our community is at stake. The street here is absolutely filthy, they are
actively disrespecting our community with their trash and defecation all over this area. Itmakes me sad to see the community I love and contribute to fail me in this way.
I beg you to please act with policy. The Bozeman PD officers who come here every daydeserve change. The city must act, or the people who contribute to our community will bepushed out and the streetgoers will keep filling sidewalks with trash and poop.
Thank you for your time,Alaina Chester
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Alaina Chester
EIT
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