HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-23 Public Comment - H. Huestis - Urban Camping in BozemanFrom:Harley Huestis
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Urban Camping in Bozeman
Date:Monday, August 7, 2023 2:54:58 PM
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners:
I fully support the ordinance you are proposing re: "Urban Camping". It is a step in the right
direction for instilling some accountability and order to this situation that we all know is out of
hand.
While this ordinance would be a step in the right direction, I believe we should consider taking
it one step further: I propose that the City should buy land outside of town for homeless
people to camp on. The 2019 Martin v Boise ruling essentially says we (i.e., the City, i.e., the
taxpayers) can't stop homeless people from sleeping on public property, but that we are able
to regulate the “time, place and manner”. Because we have not given them an alternative, the
homeless are currently living on our streets, sidewalks, and parks. That is valuable property
that the taxpayers essentially purchased, improved, and maintain. The homeless are currently
occupying and devaluing or even blocking the taxpayers' access to that property, which, on
average, might be worth say $10/SF. I propose we purchase a field for say $2/SF, and reclaim
our $10/SF property. Based on my estimated property values, that would be a return on
investment of 400% for the City and taxpayers. For the homeless, it's a lateral move. They are
living outside in a public space with no services or amenities currently, and that is what they
would get in the field. One advantage to them, is that if they were in one place, it would be
easier to provide humanitarian aid, such as meals and donations (blankets, clothes, etc.).
NGO's might also volunteer to donate improvements such as shelters, etc. I understand there
would be numerous hurdles and logistics to providing such as a space, but I urge you to start
considering it now, before we turn in to the next Portland or L.A. Please google "oregon
county lost one billion" to read the latest report on the direct cost of homelessness, when
allowed to grow unchecked within the city limits.
Harley Huestis
1439 Zephyr Way
Bozeman, MT 59718