HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-20-23 Public Comment - T. Steinmetz - Urban campingFrom:TODD STEINMETZ
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Urban camping
Date:Wednesday, September 20, 2023 9:54:29 AM
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Hello Commissioners.
Thank you for the meeting on the camping issue last night in which I listened via Zoom. It was
very informative, and I enjoyed hearing from the city manager, the commission, and the public
comment. There was one area that stood out to me that I wanted to address. The city
manager responded to the comments about getting land to have a place for people with
trailers/camper/tents to stay so we can keep our right of ways safe for everyone. This
recommendation was made many times by all sides. He responded it has been tried in other
cities in Montana and around the country and it has not worked due to the increase in crime.
Here is my concern. If there is not a crime issue with encampments now why would having
them in one area, with bathroom/showers/power/sewer/security increase the crime rate?
This does not make sense unless there is crime not being seen by the police or not reported to
them,( I have been told multiple times by officers they have been instructed to stand down by
the city) or maybe the information gathered about the homeless persons (not all but some)
are not accurate.
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Steinmetz
3502 Laramie Dr. Suite 1
Bozeman, MT 59718