HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-23 Public Comment - P. Calabrese - Proposed Urban Camping OrdinanceFrom:Philip Calabrese
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Proposed Urban Camping Ordinance
Date:Tuesday, August 8, 2023 8:02:12 AM
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To the City Commission
We are strongly in favor of the proposed ordinance that would prohibit urban camping
adjacent to residences, businesses and especially schools and daycare facilities. We also wouldsupport a provision that requires those camping in areas deemed acceptable to move their
vehicles on a regular basis. Our recommendation would be every 3 days vs the proposed 5days for sanitary reasons.
We have lived in the Seattle area and have seen first hand the negative impacts to the
community of unchecked urban camping, which lead to an overall reduction in public safetyas a result of increased crime, high drug use, fires and lack of sanitation. These aspects
diminish a community, reduce property values, and deter tourism.
We encourage the commission to act quickly to reduce the impact to our wonderfulcommunity since it is clear we have gone from essentially no urban campers about 3 years ago
to an exploding population that has been spreading to multiple areas of the city.
We are supporters of HRDC's efforts to build a facility to provide beds for the homeless andpossibly as a community we should consider creating an RV park for urban campers that
would provide water, sewer and trash services that could also be more effectively monitoredby law enforcement to control illegal activities.
Sincerely,
Philip and Marina Calabrese