HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-15-23 Public Comment - T. Santos - August 8th Meeting (STR&UC)From:Tori Saunders Santos
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]August 8th Meeting
Date:Tuesday, August 15, 2023 9:18:40 AM
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Dear Commissioners,
I would like to follow-up after the ordinance regarding campers in Bozeman was tabled last week.
It is absolutely understandable why to commission delayed or "tabled" voting on the ordinance given the
circumstances of the meeting. However, I have to express my concern for the behavior of Commissioner
Christopher Coburn prior to the meeting. Christopher made the decision to meet with Ben Finegan of Bozeman's
Tenants United and give them pointers on how to delay and extend the meeting so the Commission would have no
alternative than to delay a vote. This is highly unprofessional and borderline a conflict of interest. Chris, regardless
of his personal beliefs, needs to listen to all citizens and not bring bias to the table. Ben Finegan is a far left activist
and does not truly represent the citizens of Bozeman.
I absolutely support some kind of restrictions on short-term rentals in Bozeman, but I do not support banning them
all together. It is not appropriate to ban short-term rentals just to appeal to those who struggle to pay to rent or
purchase in the area. Although I do think some additional restrictions on short-term rentals in the area might help a
little, I really do not see it effectively reducing housing prices. I support a 3% sales tax within the City Limits to
help support paying for additional affordable housing units. I will not like to pay the tax, but it would bring much
needed money from out of state travelers to help offset some of our costs. We will never have enough "affordable"
housing for everyone who wants to live here, it's just not possible or realistic. This does not mean I do not feel for
those who struggle to afford to live here.
Regarding the camping issue. I 100% support the updated restrictions that the meeting was meant to discuss. We
need to get these people off the roads, end of story. The constant "false media reporting" regarding these campers'
situation is disturbing at best. It is a FACT that 90% of these people are not working, cannot prove to keep their
area clean or safe. I feel for the 10% who do work and keep their area clean. Most of the campers are so broken
down, they either have flat tires or no wheels at all. They are constantly taking over private property even when told
they cannot do so. HRDC, The City and Volunteers have to constantly come clean up for them, because they simply
do not do it themselves.
The last camper that the media used as an example was "Mike". Mike is from Vancouver. Mike's camper is not
moveable, it's an eyesore, where does Mike urinate and defecate? Where does Mike shower? Mike works? "Mike"
thinks the City should pay for electric hookups and a public facility where he can take showers & do
laundry??????!!!!!!!! Mike is camped on a public street with PRIVATELY OWNED land all around it. I absolutely
refuse to have my hard earned tax dollars go to the millions and millions that would cost so "Mike" can live for free
on the street. Mike should go to live at the homeless shelter where he can have a bed, food and a shower and NOT
be able to live on the street.
Please do not let activists like Ben Finegan represent Bozeman. Most of the population including voters and
taxpayers from all walks of life and different political parties DO NOT SUPPORT the continuation of letting people
camp on the streets. Until we enact further restrictions on campers such as having to move every 5 days, not being
near businesses, residences or schools, it is just going to continue to get worse. This is a lifestyle choice for most of
these people, not something Bozeman has done to them. Most are unemployed, mentally ill or on illegal drugs. One
couple are actually drug dealers and informants for Bozeman PD!
Thank you for your consideration for ALL CITIZENS of Bozeman, not just special interest groups.
Tori Saunders-Santos
Licensed MT Property ManagerOwner/Nest Home Management
3633 Lolo Way, Bozeman, MT 59718(406) 539-2805
nesthomemanagement@gmail.com