HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-23 Public Comment - C. Hopper - Urban Camping - Catastrophe on our public streetsFrom:Carolyn Keith Hopper
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Catastrophe on our public streets
Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 6:01:58 PM
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Dear City Commissioners,
Regarding the issue of the ever increasing numbers of predominately almost or broken down
cars and campers, growing tent communities, broken glass on city streets in more than one ofthem, all in connection with folks living on city streets for days, weeks, or months, I am
appalled at the City Commissioners lack of direction, or lack of any semblance of a plan, lackof any ideas for how to address this debacle, lack of any conversation regarding the change in
any city ordinance allowing people to sprawl across our city for free.
You all are, to date, appear to be shrugging your collective shoulders as if you were not in any way responsible for helping to maintain what has been a decent city in general so far.
As I am forced to drive on many streets where this plague is festering, there is no appearance
of anyone looking for work. I see many gatherings where folks are just sitting aroundchatting.
Given that our taxes are going UP 40% I can't help but wonder if that has anything to do with
the City and County trying to clean up the garbage and junk on our streets?? Could be.
It is months and months past the time for all of you on the City Commission to make way aplan to address this situation, to change the Ordinance that allows this, to care about our City,
and to work with the City agencies to end this bulging problem by making it completely clearthat this is NOT WELCOME. Part of this would be to have an Ordinance that says you may
only stay a few days and HAVE to show that you are seeking employment. Surely you haveseen all the "help wanted" signs around town??
Enough is enough. Stop sitting on your hands, shaking your heads as if you are not all in some
way r responsible and get to work.
I don't pay City and County taxes so you all will do nothing about this!
Carolyn Hopper