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Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Opposes City Ordinance on Homeless Encampments

2/23/2021

5 Comments

 
Based on overwhelming feedback from members, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce opposes the proposed Bloomington Council Ordinance 21-06 that would allow encampments in public parks for extended periods.
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“Over the past year we’ve heard increasing complaints and deep concerns voiced by members of the business community regarding encampments at Seminary Park and elsewhere,” said Erin Predmore, the Chamber’s president and CEO.  “We must find an alternative way to support the needs of houseless residents that does not negatively impact local businesses, the jobs they provide, and the broader community.”

This situation poses three broad impacts:
Economic impact: Already struggling from the pandemic, businesses face even more costs from added security, cleanup of needles, bottles, feces, and other trash, and (in some cases) property damage. These employers are the lifeblood of our community, providing jobs and paying property taxes that in part support services for the most vulnerable. With encampments, we risk creating blighted areas where businesses won’t survive. When businesses fail, we all suffer.

Community impact: The city has invested millions in our parks, which are designed for the use of all residents. By allowing encampments, the city makes it less likely that other residents will be able to enjoy this community asset. Further, as residents grow afraid of coming downtown to work or play, we risk losing the quality of life that Bloomington has worked so hard to build. That quality of life also attracts visitors to our town, who go to our restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and other businesses. If Bloomington is perceived as unsafe, we will stop drawing these outside dollars that support our economy.

Individual impact: If we concede that sleeping outside is an acceptable option for the homeless, we are giving up on residents who most need our collective help. We support the long-term work of the Homelessness & Housing Instability initiative, led by the United Way and Community Foundation. A collaborative, regional effort is crucial to address the systemic, underlying causes of homelessness.

“When we talk to our Chamber members, they express genuine concern for the plight of people who have no place to go,” Predmore said. “But the impact on our local businesses is profound. In a recent member survey we conducted, 85% of respondents oppose this ordinance.”

Many people who’ve contacted the Chamber are unwilling to speak publicly, for fear of reprisal from passionate advocates for the homeless. Their experiences are no less valid. Examples of this feedback on the Chamber’s website (in the below document), extracted from emails and phone interviews with local business owners, as well as from survey responses from over 100 Chamber members.
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“We urge Bloomington City Councilmembers to reflect on these issues as they make policy decisions for the city,” Predmore said. “We ask them to oppose Ordinance 21-06 and work to find viable solutions for our entire community.”
You can read comments from members in the document below:
5 Comments
Bob Dobbs
2/25/2021 06:40:26 am

Once again you’re putting profits over people.

You should be ashamed of yourselves. This organization once again proved how heartless and sick they are.

Reply
Elle
2/27/2021 08:25:37 am

Businesses must make money to pay wages. Those wages supply income to employees for their needs.

Are you willing to host the homeless in your yard or inside your house? If so, please let the city know.

Reply
Bubba Carlisle
3/20/2021 02:17:13 pm

My name is Bubba Carlisle and yes people are heartless sometimes the key to change is love!

Reply
Katherine Blake
2/25/2021 02:18:38 pm

Seems to me like none of these people wanted to come out and display their cruel views to the public, and then they expected the public to pity them because they didn't want to be criticized for their lies and immorality. The Chamber's position is based on nothing more than rumor and hearsay. They do not do us the dignity of offering any substantiations of their claims, and almost none of these apparently affected business owners and residents showed up to defend their outrageous allegations in public. I thought the Trump era was over.

Reply
Michelle
2/27/2021 06:45:26 am

I bought a winter home in another state in October. There are ZERO homeless camps there, in any of the 5 cities the same size or smaller than Bloomington. Businesses and new homes are booming. This shit only happens in Bloomington because the city wants it to. There are too many charities thst serve these down trodden folks in one small town. Move the Shalom center to a town nearby with greyhound and no current services . Each county should have services. Not one county with enough services for 8 rural counties.

Reply



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