HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-23 Public Comment - J. Verreth - Urgent Concerns Regarding the Urban Camping OrdinanceFrom:Jona Verreth
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Urgent Concerns Regarding the Urban Camping Ordinance
Date:Tuesday, October 24, 2023 7:09:51 AM
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Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding the Urban Camping Ordinance
Dear City Council,
As you convene today for the final reading of the urban camping ordinance, I respectfully implore you to consider the gravity of this matter and refrain from concluding the issue prematurely. I firmly believe that exercising one's right to provide shelter for oneself should not equate to the unbridled use of public rights-of-way, obstructing access to cherished parks and recreational areas like the pond and the apartments along Davis Street, or permitting an unsightly accumulation of items in the vicinity of campers. I propose the implementation of enforceable regulations that safeguard the rights of tax-paying, engaged city residents who seek to enjoy these spaces without the apprehension of unregulated hygiene.
The proposed 30-day limit with a minimal fine appears excessively lenient when juxtaposed with the stringent standards applied to homeowners parking trailers and campers in front of their own city-owned houses. I have been informed that a different city division will oversee parking enforcement, creating what seems to be a perplexing double standard that fosters resentment rather than compassion. It is confounding that a homeowner, as I was recently informed at our neighborhood HOA meeting, would incur significant fines for parking their own trailer in front of their property while others enjoy a 30-day grace period. This, while not the core issue, exemplifies a broader problem and underscores the city's leadership's need to reevaluate its perspective.
I am inquisitive as to why Bozeman is mandated to adhere to the specifics of the Martin vs. Boise case, whereas neighboring cities such as Belgrade and Kalispell appear to be exempt from such obligations.
The 30-day limitation does not adequately reflect the welfare of our entire city, and it appears that our leadership has, thus far, faltered in preserving the rights of those who are not homeless. This is evident in the proliferation of homeless encampments on rights-of-way and near prime properties that were once earmarked for the enjoyment of all. A society in which some live without rules or responsibilities while others are held to a higher standard is not sustainable – this is a concept familiar to educators everywhere.
While I sympathize with those who have fallen on hard times, I believe this sympathy should be channeled into a structured and regulated approach that considers factors such as time, location, hygiene, and the number of allowed items to safeguard the beauty of
our city. It deeply concerns me that this issue has remained unaddressed and unenforced, and I mourn the prospect of our city mirroring the issues faced by cities like Portland, Venice Beach, and San Francisco.
Furthermore, I am eager to understand how you intend to address the grievances of prominent businesses that have recently filed a lawsuit against the city. Their contention is that the city has failed to enforce its own regulations, which has led to significant hardships for them. It is disheartening to see these concerns go unheeded.
I appreciate your time and attention to these pressing matters and hope for a more comprehensive and balanced approach to urban camping regulations in our beloved city.
Sincerely,
Aimee Verreth