HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-24 Public Comment - C. Johnerson - City Urban Camping commentsFrom:Caitlin Johnerson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City Urban Camping comments
Date:Wednesday, October 2, 2024 4:42:12 PM
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Hi,
I saw the instagram post from the City regarding the urban camping permit system. I’d like to
share a few comments/concerns.
1. Resources - the city already has a shortage of parking enforcement and police officers.
How will this be enforced? I have zero faith in a permit system changing anythingwithout the resources to enforce it. We already have an ordinance in place that is not
enforced. How is this different? I see campers lined with trash near Davis every time Idrive by.
2. Practicality - Urban Campers use 10% of our cities police resources today with theillegal activity that happens. Why do we think these folks will suddenly follow a permit
system when they don’t follow the law?3. Tax dollars - for those (including myself) that pay property taxes for the city of
Bozeman it’s really frustrating that we had such an substantial increase in tax bills while10% of the cities resources are spent managing criminals that live on the street for free.
Why can’t our tax dollars be used elsewhere? 4. Please make urban camping illegal. It’s incredibly dangerous and frustrating for those
that follow the law and pay taxes in Bozeman. The lack of effort by the city to make ameaningful change to support our community has become disheartening and will impact
how I vote in the local election. 5. Also this is an environmental issue. These folks live in the same place for months and
where do we think their sewage is going?
Thank you for accepting comments.
Caitlin Johnerson