HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-23 Public Comment - K. Bergevin - “Urban camping” near my homeFrom:Kathy Bergevin
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]“Urban camping” near my home
Date:Thursday, September 21, 2023 6:54:28 PM
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To: Andrus, Cyndy Coburn, Christopher Cunningham, Terry Madgic, Jennifer Pomeroy, I-Ho
I was disappointed to learn that the city council changed the rules for urban camping, making it even easier for
that to occur in Bozeman. I live in a neighborhood near a large settlement at the cross streets of Davis and
Baxter. Why is this allowed so close to Chief Joseph Middle School??? I understand that children from the school
have been harassed by the residents of the homeless encampment. Shouldn't the safety of our children be of
utmost priority! Our neighborhood has seen more crime, with car break ins, to include our own. How often are
the police called to go to these encampments? I used to walk down that end of our neighborhood but do not feel
safe to do so anymore. Also, I have a friend who was driving down the road near the encampment close to
Winco, heading to the gas station and was followed by a man on a skateboard to the gas station, who began
beating on her car with that skateboard. From her observation he was obviously on drugs and the police were
called. So the notion that these encampments are made up of all hardworking people who can't afford to live in
Bozeman is a big misconception. I would hope the city would consider going back to the 5 day rule AND
enforcing it for the safety of our citizens.
Also, I would suggest city commissioners read the book "When Helping Hurts." By making things so easy that
they stay in their current situation we don't help people who are homeless. They will stay on their poverty.
Wouldn't it be better to assist them out of their poverty and drug addictions??
Thanks for your consideration!
Kathy Bergevin
Sent from my iPhone
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