Other: Hi there, I have noticed a large increase in homeless activity in Bloomington this year. In the past, homeless individuals have largely remained in Seminary Park. Now, I see them camped in the park by Hartzell’s on Kirkwood, up by the square further north on Walnut, and even in Bryan Park. Homelessness is a complex problem and individuals in this situation face unfathomable challenges, but many of my peers and I feel their presence in social areas of Bloomington has negatively impacted the safety and cleanliness of the city. Just yesterday, I witnessed a homeless man harass a girl sitting in Brother’s Bar and Grill by slapping the window as if he was slapping her bottom through the window. It made me feel unsafe in my Bloomington home. Similarly, the park near Hartzell’s on Kirkwood is no longer an inviting place to eat ice cream with friends due to the mess left by homeless populations in this area. I am so sorry for their situation and challenges they face, but I do not want the homeless epidemic to impact the value and vibrance of the many lovely green spaces in Bloomington. For these reasons, I wanted to express my concerns about the spread of homelessness in Bloomington this past year and implore you to seek solutions for the issue. I am not an expert in social services or rehabilitation, so I am not sure if there are solutions to this problem, but I hope the city of Bloomington will take my concerns to heart to both help the homeless and improve the safety and well-being of Bloomington. Thank you

Assigned to

Rose Smith