HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-23 Public Comment - P. Eibs - 9_19_23 Agenda item - Urban campingFrom:Patrick Eibs
To:Greg Sullivan; Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]9/19/23 Agenda item - Urban camping
Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:15:44 PM
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September 12, 2023
Bozeman City Commission and City Attorney:
I am writing to voice my grave concern for the state of our local “urban camping” andthe city’s dereliction of duty to regulate the condition of these sites. I am of theunderstanding that the city commission will be discussing this matter at the
September 19th commission meeting and I feel the city needs to immediately enactthe ordinance proposed without amendments.
The city’s Urban Camping webpage references 2 separate cases that came in front of
the 9th circuit court of appeals. I do not see anything in these ordinances thatindicates the city cannot regulate the condition of the campsites strewn aboutBozeman. These cases may forbid law enforcement from prohibiting “the mostrudimentary precautions a homeless person may take against weather, includingsleeping in vehicles” but this does not mean the city can’t regulate the condition ofthese sites. Assistant City Manager Peters says the city can regulate time, place, andmanner. The proposed ordinance does just that by regulating how long they can stayin one place; that they can’t park in front of residences and businesses; and theymust maintain their site by keeping their belongings in their vehicle when not in use. As a builder, I currently have a project I am building near one of the camp sites andmy agents have shared with me an extreme drop in value of these properties due tothe city’s lack of action on a matter that should have been addressed years ago. Thecities lack of action is costing my business an amount in the 6-figure range.
The cities website also shows the city prioritizes “the health and safety of both theunhoused and broader community.” I drive by many of these sites and see sewerdrain lines run into the grass or crates overflowing with sewage into the streets. Howis this healthy for our broader community? Many of the sites are just piles of trash. Iam guessing there are over 100 shopping carts strewn about, stolen from localbusiness. Need I even mention the rape of a 14-year-old girl?
Are you familiar with the Broken Glass Theory that states if there is broken glass in abuilding, the chances of more broken glass in that building is higher than in a buildingwith no broken glass? Bozeman is a city that now has much broken glass, and it willcontinue to get worse unless your action is taken now. Please vote on Tuesday toenact the proposed ordinance.
Sincerely,
Patrick Eibs
4222 Forage Dr.
Patrick Eibs
MBMX, LLC
8FC, LLC
ROI, LLC/Higher Standard Homes
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