HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-23 Public Comment - K. Fortune - Urban Camping Ordinance VoteFrom:Takami Clark
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]Urban Camping Ordinance Vote
Date:Thursday, August 3, 2023 2:45:06 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: Katrina Fortune <katrina.moore.fortune@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2023 12:16 PM
To: Takami Clark <tclark@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Urban Camping Ordinance Vote
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Good Afternoon Takami,
My name is Katrina. I live in the Sundance at Baxter Meadows apartment complex where, as I'm sure
you are aware, a large number of urban campers are living. This has caused me and my two young
children to make several adaptations to our routine, and none for the better. I would like to list a
few reasons why I urge the City Commissioners to vote in favor of the ordinance.
Heaps of trash polluting our environment
There is currently a popup camper that is literally falling apart on Veronica Way.
Garbage bags are thrown out on the easements, and left there to be picked open and
trash spread throughout the area.
Noise complaints
Early this morning at ~12:30a, I called the police to report a man who was
hollering/singing/screaming for a long while. Three patrol cars responded within
minutes, telling me they are acutely aware of the problems in our neighborhood.
Generators run through the night.
Criminal activity
I have witnessed many police interactions right by our complex, including a long stand
off with an occupant of a converted school bus.
My car was broken into. Thankfully nothing was taken, however one of my neighbors
had items stolen. These things did not happen until after the campers moved in.
Every street into my complex (Kimberwicke, Veronica, Vaquero, Galloway, Equestrian) is
occupied with campers
I could avoid them if it was just one street, but it is difficult considering almost every
route into my home is full.
During the winter months, snow removal is difficult causing our streets to become
hazardous. Signs were posted last winter, indicating camping was only allowed on one
side of the street. This helped, however most roads were still only able to be plowed
approximately one lane's width.
There is a lovely trail off of Kimberwicke that my boys and I used to walk frequently. We
haven't been able to do so since these folks moved in as I am uncomfortable walking
through their campsites.
I called in to report a camper last year who had sprawled out to about a third of the
length of Kimberwicke with his RV, trailer, and piles of possessions. He had set up a
huge tarp/canopy on the easement, and was running extension cords across the road
to another camper. The officer I spoke to responded right away, and was able to get
him to consolidate and move within a week or so.
I am aware of the City of Bozeman's efforts toward a solution for as long as we've had this issue, and
I am grateful that the City Commissioners have reached the point of holding a vote on this
ordinance. I will also stress that I greatly appreciate the quick responses from the Bozeman police
department to my reports. Please share with the City Commissioners my points above, and this final
thought:
To sustain the beauty of our growing community, for the safety of all of our residents, to
avoid environmental/economic impacts of pollutants flowing to our rivers, the list could go on
and on; please vote in favor of this ordinance.
Thank you for your time and the work behind the scenes to gather/compile/pass on this feedback,
and I look forward to a passing vote.
Best Regards,
Katrina