Editor,
This letter is in reference to the unauthorized camping ordinance 2025-02 that is being considered by the Battle Ground City Council.
I am pleased to see local government taking a preemptive approach to the all too well-known homeless camping issue.
While I do have sympathy for folks who can't afford shelter I don't see how this ordinance as written is much if any of a deterrent.
I'm pretty sure that any folks who have the need to camp/live in a public place already know it is illegal. Officially providing notice of the illegality may be required by law but is rather pointless. The proposed up to $100 fine for a first infraction is also pointless. After all, it is very likely that these folks are not going to have an extra $100 or more to pay a fine since they are obviously struggling to survive. It sounds like the potential fines/punitive action would only take place after perhaps weeks or even months after someone takes up residency.
Unfortunately, with the potential for homeless coming into the area on an ongoing basis, the citizens of Battle Ground in reality can expect to see never-ending homeless camps as so many other communities have.
I know that shelter is very expensive, and I just don't know what the solution to this problem is, but in my opinion this proposed ordinance just isn't going to help.
Larry Wright
Battle Ground
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