HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-23 Public Comment - A. Hamling - Urban CampingFrom:Annmarie Hamling
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment
Date:Saturday, August 5, 2023 11:53:43 AM
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Dear City Commissioners,
I understand that you will be voting on an ordinance on August 8th that could provide some
regulations for urban camping. I am so glad this is on your agenda, as this is an issue inBozeman that is beginning to demand discussion, guidance, and hopefully regulation. I
understand that some of these campers may not have any other place to stay, so I’m notagainst there being a limited number of designated places for them to camp for a designated
period of time—so long as they comply with the requirements for being in that area, and solong as the city has the resources to enforce their compliance.
However, I whole-heartedly support limiting their stay to 5 days (or whatever reasonable
number) and not allowing them to camp adjacent to or across from a residence, park, school,daycare, on a bike lane or sidewalk, and within 100 feet from a business. (And by the way, the
phrase “adjacent to” begs for a bit more specificity, like 250 feet, 500 feet, or whatever.)
The city has been very intentional about requiring companies and developers to build certaintypes of buildings that ensure a certain type of aesthetic for our city, not to mention meeting
certain health and safety standards. So it seems reasonable that we should be able to behospitable to these campers while at the same time upholding and protecting the ideals and
standards of beauty, safety, and health that we cherish.
Thank you so much for your attention to this matter!
Sincerely,
Annmarie HamlingBozeman resident