HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-23 Public Comment - T. Sommerfeld - Urban CampersFrom:Tori Sommerfeld
To:Agenda
Cc:Sundance; Takami Clark; Joshua Wills-King
Subject:[EXTERNAL]RE: Urban Campers
Date:Sunday, August 6, 2023 7:13:14 PM
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City Commissioners,
I am a three-year resident of the Sundance at Baxter Meadows apartment complex. My unit
faces Caspian Avenue, between the Galloway and Kimberwicke Streets. I would like to share
with you some of my concerns regarding the “urban campers” within our neighborhood.
I manage seasonal employee housing for a living and am fully aware of the housing crisis that
exists in our area. My husband and I have been directly impacted. My concerns are not that
these folks are homeless – my concerns are that many of them behave in a manner that is
disrespectful, disruptive, and unlawful. Several examples include:
· Leaving copious amounts of garbage strewn throughout the neighborhood.
· Frequently yelling and fighting throughout all hours of the day and night.
· Generating large amounts of traffic through our once-quiet neighborhood.
· Creating an overall unwelcoming environment.
Here are a few personal experiences:
I was returning home from a late night at work – as I walked to my building from my
vehicle (on Caspian Avenue) two of the “campers” were arguing in the parking area.
One yelled “Sick that mother fucker!” and unleashed his dog. I do not want to know
what would’ve happened if I did not run upstairs and was caught in the middle of that
dispute.
We do not open our windows due to the amount of yelling, generator noise, and
vehicle traffic that takes place amongst the “campers.” We are tired of the constant
noise, and being woken up by it all.
The Bozeman Police frequent the area due to physical and verbal altercations; my
household alone has made 3 calls within the past 6 months.
My household has witnessed several vehicles, trailers, and bike/foot traffic flooding
the area. More concerning, is the heavy amount of vehicle traffic throughout the night
hours. It is very apparent that drugs and/or sex work are involved.
Several of the “campers” have bikes and will swarm the area. I have been catcalled as I
walk to/from my vehicle by men on bikes. Any female in the room can verify how
disturbing this can be.
There is a “camper” on Galloway Street who walks up and down the street shirtless
with a gun on his hip and two German Shepherds that run freely throughout the
neighborhood. They are not welcoming nor kind. The dogs will block vehicles from
driving through.
I would like my neighborhood back. I would like to take walks without feeling threatened. I
would like to open my windows without disturbance. I would like to walk to and from my
vehicle without being harassed. I would like the garbage to be removed from the streets. And
lastly, I would like for our voices to be heard as rent-paying, law-abiding residents of Bozeman.
I am sure that you would have the same expectations for yourselves and your families.
Your support and consideration are appreciated.
Tori Sommerfeld
(435) 817-2329