HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-23 Public Comment - H. Eisen - Ordinance #2147 (UC)From:Hilary Eisen
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]public comment re: Ordinance #2147
Date:Tuesday, August 8, 2023 10:04:15 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I learned about proposed Ordinance #2147 on YPR this morning and am unable to attend
tonight's commission meeting but would like to share my thoughts. Please accept this email asa public comment.
It's no secret that Bozeman has an affordable housing problem, forcing many members of our
community to live in shelters or on the street. I appreciate that the proposed ordinance isseeking to address health, safety, and cost issues associated with the growing number of
temporary shelters and vehicles occupied by people experiencing homelessness. However, Iworry that this ordinance will place an additional, unmanageable burden on members of our
community who are already living at the margins. I support the strategic plan goals cited in thememorandum and I appreciate that the ordinance allows for exceptions, but I also know that
our local shelters are at capacity. This means that those forced to live in their vehicles willhave to relocate every 5 days. This will be very disruptive and difficult for many people to
comply with, thus resulting in significant fines levied on those in our community who canleast afford to pay. Surely the Commission can find a more compassionate solution?
There are several vacant parking lots throughout Bozeman, such as the old Kmart location.
Would it be possible for the City to rent this type of space for the purposes of providing a safe,sanitary, and stable location for those experiencing homelessness to park their vehicles?
Perhaps in conjunction with the proposed ordinance? Obviously this is not a long-termsolution, but until we find durable solutions to Bozeman's affordable housing crisis we should
not punish the most vulnerable members of our community. I don't necessarily disagree withthe majority of what is in the proposed ordinance, aside from forcing people to move every 5
days without providing reasonable alternatives for them.
Thank you for considering my comment.Sincerely,
Hilary Eisen417 S 14th Ave.