HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-23 Public Comment - S. Pichler - Urgent Concern_ Impact of Urban Camping on Apartment ResidentsFrom:Takami Clark
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]Urgent Concern: Impact of Urban Camping on Apartment Residents
Date:Thursday, August 3, 2023 3:30:40 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: sarah Pichler <sarah_pichler@live.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2023 11:30 AM
To: Takami Clark <tclark@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Urgent Concern: Impact of Urban Camping on Apartment Residents
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Dear Takami,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Sarah Pichler, and I am a resident of the
Sundance at Baxter Meadows Apartment complex located in Bozeman. I am writing to
express my deep concern and frustration regarding the issue of urban camping and its
significant impact on our residential community. I understand a vote is coming up on August
8, 2023 and am hoping you are taking the city of Bozeman residents into consideration during
this time.
I have lived in Bozeman over the last 10 years and moved into the apartment complex last
December. During this time, I have witnessed a substantial increase in urban camping
activities within our city, particularly in public spaces near residential areas like ours. While I
understand the importance of addressing homelessness and providing assistance to those in
need, the current situation has led to numerous challenges and adverse effect on those of us
living in apartment complexes like mine.
The constant presence of campers has given rise to various issues that significantly impart our
quality of life as apartment residents. I would like to highlight a few of the major concerns:
1. Noise and Disruption: The campers often run their generators at all times of the day and
night. This noise pollution affects my ability to rest and leads to increased stress
and anxiety.
2. Safety Concerns: With the presence of campers, there have been instances where I
have had to call Bozeman PD. I have witnessed campers try to hit my car windows and
yell at me as I am driving for no reason. This was a very scary incident and caused me to
avoid driving in that direction going forward. This happened in Feb/March. On top of
this when I walk my dogs it makes me nervous to walk by any camper and I try to avoid
them. This is tough as they are parked everywhere on the outskirts of the apartment
complex
3. Sanitation and Hygiene: The lack of proper facilities for waste disposal and personal
hygiene among campers results in the accumulation of trash and unsanitary conditions
in public spaces nearby. This not only poses health risks for the campers themselves but
also negatively impacts the health of the apartment residents. I understand the city
periodically places dumpsters in camper's areas but they only help for a short time and
the sanitation issues pick back up within days.
As a concerned citizen and constituent, I am kindly requesting that the City Council vote to
forbid camping adjacent to residences, schools, and daycares. Along with that I am requesting
to have the campers moved every 5 days to a new location to help with sanitary issues in
Bozeman. While I understand the complexity of addressing homelessness and the need for
compassion, I believe it is equally crucial to ensure that the rights and well-being of all
residents are safeguarded.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. I would appreciate the opportunity to
discuss this issue further or provide any additional information if needed. Your dedication to
serving our community is highly valued, and I hope we can work together to find a positive
resolution to this challenge.
Sincerely,
Sarah Pichler
3765 Galloway St, Apt B101
Bozeman, MT 59718
sarah_pichler@live.com
(406) 321-1882