HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-24 Public Comment - L. Lane - Urgent Need for Comprehensive Action on Public Health and Safety Concerns Related to Homeless Encampments!From:Lindsey Lane
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Urgent Need for Comprehensive Action on Public Health and Safety Concerns Related to Homeless
Encampments!
Date:Sunday, August 4, 2024 10:53:31 AM
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Dear City Commission of Bozeman,
I am writing to formally express my grave concerns regarding the ongoing issue of
homeless encampments within our city’s public right-of-ways. The presence of these
encampments has led to significant public health and safety issues that require urgent
and decisive action.
Public Health and Sanitation
The accumulation of waste, including human excrement, in public areas poses a
severe health hazard to residents. This unsanitary condition is a blatant violation of
public health standards and must be addressed immediately. It is imperative that the
city undertakes an extensive and sustained cleanup operation to restore sanitary
conditions. The filth resulting from these encampments not only degrades theenvironment but also fosters the spread of disease, endangering both the homeless
population and the broader community.
Legal and Safety Issues
The current policy allowing individuals to camp in public areas contravenes several
legal standards designed to protect public order and safety. Under the authority
granted by §7-14-4101, MCA, the City has the legal obligation to prevent the
encumbering of streets and public grounds with obstacles or materials, including
unauthorized encampments. Furthermore, allowing these encampments has resultedin increased criminal activity, including drug use, which endangers the community.
The legal precedent set by the United States Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeals underscores the necessity of balancing the rights of individuals with
the need to maintain public order and safety.Strict Enforcement of Ordinances
The recent Ordinance 2147 must be amended to prohibit all camping in public right-
of-ways, without exception. Extending the permissible duration from 5 days to 30
days is unacceptable and counterproductive. The city must strictly enforce this
prohibition and relocate individuals to designated shelters or RV parks. There are
adequate facilities available that are equipped to provide necessary services without
compromising public spaces. Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy is essential to
maintaining the integrity of our public spaces and ensuring the safety of all residents.Penalties for Violations
The current penalty of $100 is insufficient to deter violations. Reducing the penalty to
$25 is entirely inappropriate and undermines the seriousness of the infractions. The
penalties should be significantly increased to serve as a proper deterrent and ensure
compliance. A more substantial fine will underscore the importance of adhering to city
regulations and will provide the necessary leverage to enforce these rules effectively.
Impact on Community and Property
The presence of these encampments has degraded the aesthetic and functional
quality of our neighborhoods, negatively impacting property values and the overall
quality of life. It is imperative that the city protects the rights of residents to a clean,
safe, and orderly environment. The visual blight caused by these encampments
diminishes the appeal of our city and can deter tourists and potential new residents,thereby affecting the local economy.Recommendations for Immediate Action
1. Zero-Tolerance Policy: Enforce a zero-tolerance policy on camping in public
right-of-ways.
2. Mandatory Relocation: Relocate individuals to designated shelters or RV
parks where they can access appropriate resources.
3. Enhanced Sanitation Measures: Implement regular cleanups to maintain
public hygiene and prevent health hazards.
4. Increased Law Enforcement: Allocate additional resources to police and
community patrols to curb illegal activities associated with encampments.
5. Higher Penalties: Increase the penalties for violations to more than $100 to
ensure compliance and deter future infractions.The Broader Impact
The City of Bozeman must prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of all its residents.
Allowing these encampments to persist is a disservice to the community and
undermines public trust in local governance. By enforcing stricter regulations and
providing appropriate resources, the city can help transition homeless individuals into
better living conditions while maintaining the integrity of public spaces.
Conclusion
The situation requires immediate and robust action. The current approach is
insufficient and has allowed the problem to grow to unmanageable proportions. I urge
the City Commission to take decisive steps to resolve this pressing issue and restore
the health, safety, and cleanliness of our public spaces.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.Best regards,
Lindsey Lane