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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-23 Public Comment - C. Vanhouten - Urgent Support for the Proposed City Ordinance on Camper RegulationsFrom:Takami Clark To:Agenda Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]Urgent Support for the Proposed City Ordinance on Camper Regulations Date:Thursday, August 3, 2023 3:31:08 PM Takami Clark, MPA | Communications & Engagement Manager City of Bozeman Office: 406-582-2322 | Cell: 406-579-9237 tclark@bozeman.net she/her/hers From: Cadenza Vanhouten <Cadenza.Vanhouten@protonmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2023 3:17 PM To: Takami Clark <tclark@BOZEMAN.NET> Subject: [EXTERNAL]Urgent Support for the Proposed City Ordinance on Camper Regulations CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Ms. Clark, I trust this email finds you well. My name is Stephanie, and I'm a Bozeman resident. I’m writing today to express my profound support for the forthcoming city ordinance that the City of Bozeman will be voting on, on the 8th, pertaining to the regulation of camper activity in my neighborhood. As you may be aware, the community has been dealing with the growing issue of campers in the vicinity of our residences, schools, and daycares. This situation goes beyond merely detracting from the beauty and aesthetic appeal of our beloved Bozeman; it has far-reaching implications related to safety, hygiene, noise pollution, and environmental impact. The signs posted around the campers' area caution passersby to "beware of dogs" which is a major cause for concern! The presence of aggressive dogs near where children and friendly, well/trained pets play has created an unsettling environment, making it difficult for most to feel safe and secure. I should not be threatened by unnamed and destructive persons in my own neighborhood when I have paid my rent, applied for my apartment, and done all legal things properly as required by law of all citizens in order to live here. In addition, the noise pollution from the multitude of generators operating around the clock is breathtaking and disruptive to daily life. Our peace and quiet, especially during the night, has been greatly disturbed by the constant hum of what should be illegal machinery which has been allowed to invade my neighborhood. Many have drilled into the neighborhoods’ underground systems to illegally gain access to sewage, water, and much more. Another escalating concern is the potential environmental hazard posed by the “campers”. The presence of scrap materials, oil leaks, and engines running 24/7 poses a significant risk to the environment which the City of Bozeman has, until recent years, fought to protect. Soil and water contamination, as well as air pollution, may very well have long-term effects on our ecosystem. Many Montanans are born with a respect of our land and air, as guests in the rich wildlife we enjoy daily. Outsiders lack the basic respect required. Furthermore, the presence of these campers in excessively close proximity to our schools and daycare centers have adversely impacted our children's learning and recreational environments. Montana children deserve to grow, learn, and play in a safe and clean environment, free from unnecessary disturbances and potential hazards. With the vote on the proposed ordinance that would require campers to move every 5 days and prohibit camping adjacent to residential, educational, and childcare facilities, I believe you have an opportunity to address these concerns and eliminate this absurdity. I strongly encourage the City Commissioners to vote in favor of this ordinance as a means to protect and preserve the quality of life that all legal, paying, and hardworking residents of Bozeman community deserve, expect, and pay for. In closing, I hope that the city also plans to find more appropriate places for these nomadic communities to live. Thank you for your time and dedication to our community. I am looking forward to a positive resolution to this issue with the upcoming vote. Best Hopes, Steph Sent with Proton Mail secure email.