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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-23 Public Comment - S. Lang - City meeting on urban campingFrom:Takami Clark To:Agenda Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]City meeting on urban camping Date:Monday, August 7, 2023 1:45:44 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: Susan Lang <susanlangmt@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, August 7, 2023 12:07 PM To: Takami Clark <tclark@BOZEMAN.NET> Subject: [EXTERNAL]City meeting on urban camping CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Thank you for taking the time to discuss the issue of Urban camping in Bozeman. I am hoping you will pass this information on to the City Manager and Commission. While I sympathize with folks struggling with affordable housing as my family and I have struggled ourselves, I believe that is critical that additional rules be imposed to protect the safety and wellbeing of city residents. Currently, for example, I live in Trout Meadows and several Urban Campers have moved in on Trout Meadows street by Davis Pond Park (not sure of it’s official name). One in particular has not moved in the year and a half I have lived here. He left bags of trash out which blew around and got in the lake and surrounding areas. He had a disgusting mattress out that sometimes got into the road and sidewalk. People try to access the lake and fish, and many of us walk their dogs in the area. I feel unsafe due to his and others presence, which is unfair given I work very hard to afford to pay my rent. My son lives in Mountain View off Davis, and Urban Campers have gotten out of hand there. Crime has increased, litter is everywhere, they block bike paths and roads, and are making it hard for him to find a new roommate. Again, he works very hard to pay rent and is having his safety and well-being jeopardized by these campers. In addition to the above, there was a recent rape at the Bozeman ponds by a transient allowed to live in his tent in the park. Families and children are at risk, decreasing taxpayers ability to enjoy the parks they pay for with hard earned tax dollars. Last, the litter and campers create a huge eyesore that affects tourists and out of town guests which our economy depends on. My mother recently visited and was appalled at the way our city streets look now. They block roads from being plowed. It’s terrible. Please vote to protect our safety. We deserve it!! Sincerely, Susan Lang 3190 Trout Meadows, #5 bozeman MT 59718 406-209-6458 resident since 1983, former homeowner for 15 years.