HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-23 Public Comment - J. Amer - Proposed solution to urban camping situationFrom:Justin Armer
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Proposed solution to urban camping situation
Date:Saturday, October 7, 2023 7:44:01 AM
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Good morning reader!
My name is Justin Armer. I'd like to present a concept for solving the urban camping issue and
avoiding the lawsuits which have recently been brought against the city. This solution is stillconceptual however, if the commission decides it shows merit, it could be quickly fleshed out
and implemented. I would be willing to assist in this effort. Let's get straight into it.
Solution: Turn the old K-Mart property into a free trailer park for anyone who can show a paystub from the Gallatin valley. This may sound unreasonable initially. Let me elaborate on why
this will work.
The key to solving this is to create both a carrot and a stick. The carrot is an option for streetcampers which is more desirable than the one they are currently in. This is accomplished by
offering free electricity, water, sewer, trash service, and internet to tenants of the trailer park.The stick is the ability to enforce no street camping laws because a viable alternative exists
meeting the 9th circuit requirements.
Why the old K-Mart? A few big reasons.
1. It's on the bus route so people can easily get to work
2. Its walking distance to Walmart for affordable food and supplies3. The site is already stubbed out for large scale sewer, water, and electricity
4. The site is not in any residential line of sight.5. The individual who owns the land already leases land to Walmart. It would likely be a
relatively easy ask
What about costs? We address this concern in three ways.
First, we need to remember this issue is already costing Bozeman money. I don't recall theexact figure but I remember the recent cleanup being in the six figure range.
Second, free rent would only be for the first six months, then cheap rent after that. Goal beingthat any long term renters cover their cost.
Third, implement an airport fee to leverage our large tourist base to help cover the costs. Lastyear 2.2 million people flew through our airport. One dollar from each of them would be an
easy ask and go a long way towards covering the cost of the trailer park.
The keys to a success
Must create a more desirable option than street camping such that campers utilize the
solution by choice. This minimizes enforcement requirements and dramatically boostsoverall effectiveness.
Must maintain street campers' sense of autonomy. No one wants to be 'processed' and noone wants to live under supervision. Maintain these basic human desires to create
voluntary compliance and outsized effectiveness
Try to include a current urban camper on the planning committee. Buildingsupport organically within the urban camping community is the best way to avoid an 'us
vs. them' mindset that many will default to as the new idea is presented.
Finally I'd like to say I know many of you have worked many hours and put a lot of personal
effort into solving this issue. I recognize your hard work. Please don't take thisrecommendation as a dismissal of that hard work. This idea is intended purely as an effort to
do my part. If any opportunity exists to get more involved (citizen task force, think tanks, etc)please let me know. I would be willing to contribute my time to solving this issue.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and continuing the conversation. Have a great
weekend!
-- Justin