HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-23 Public Comment - G. Thompson - Ordinance 2147 Provisional Adoption of Regulations for Camping on City Right-of-wayFrom:George Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Ordinance 2147 Provisional Adoption of Regulations for Camping on City Right-of-way
Date:Tuesday, August 8, 2023 1:46:45 PM
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Mayor and Commissioners:I am in full support of strict limits on camping on our city streets. These campers are not people who chose to work but can't afford housing. Rather they have
made a life-style choice which impinges on our need for a safe, clean community.
1. Safety in our City is a primary concern. I was in a local pawn shop when a camper came inwith an item to pawn looking for enough money to buy a pack of cigarettes. Theft is a problem
2. Many of the vehicles are not drivable. and clutter the street with their trash. Parking next toparks and wetland areas prevents our children from using and enjoying our City amenities. 3. Homelessness has a high correlation with underlying mental health issues. If necessaryprovide a simple bed and counseling contingent on removal of campers and non-functioning
vehicles. 4. Any actions by the City require stiff and frequent enforcement for removal of this Campling
Blight. Speak with people moving here from Seattle and Portland regarding the allowableexpansion of City camping.. Even Austin Texas has voters who passed a resolution to restrict
and remove urban campsites. Don't allow a self-selected disenfranchised minority to destroyour community at our expense.
5. Be very strict about not extending approval to remain longer than allowed. The camperswill take full advantage of weakness in City staff to approve variances to our codes.
Please take back our City streets for use by our taxpaying citizens. thank you,
Geo Thompson .