Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - September 2, 2020 Public CommentFrom: Julie Chesnutt <jchesnutt@anders > Sent: Wednesday, September 2,20201-:27 PM To: Cityoflodi_CityManager <CityManager@lodi.gov>;Steve Schwabauer <sschwabauer@lodi.gov> Subject: Proposed Homeless Shelter Dear Mr. Schwabauer, Recently there was news that the area around the Lodi Armory and Chapman Field was being looked at to create a low barrier homeless center and shelter. As the 2020 President of the Lodi Grape Festival, 3rd generation Lodian, and a downtown homeowner for the last 40 years, I am appalled and strongly oppose this plan. ln the proposed area, there are six event centers: the softball complex, Zupo Field, the Grape Bowl, the American Legion Hall, the Eagles Lodge and the Lodi Grape Festival grounds. ln addition, there is the new bowling alley/eatery and Papapavlo's RestauranVbusiness complex both under construction. A facility of this kind will undoubtably increase the homeless population in Lodi and in the proposed area. Build it and they will come! There is no way people would want to rent the above facilities with a homeless encampment at their front door. lt is hard enough to rent our facilities now with the terrible homeless situation in and around Lawrence Park. On a daily basis, the Lodi Grape Festival and neighboring facilities have to deal with damage, garbage and filth created by the homeless that are allowed to live unlawfully in Lawrence Park. ln our neighborhood and in the downtown area, we have personally seen an increase of crime, garbage and disgusting behavior by the homeless. Just last week we saw a homeless man try to break into a neighbor's home and reported it to LPD. Hopefully, the City Council and staff of the City of Lodi can go back to the drawing board and come up with a different location that will not be as negatively impactful to one of the busiest and new and upcoming parts of Lodi. All of these venues/businesses bring revenues into the City of Lodi and make up "Lovable Livable Lodi". Let's save Lodi, not tear it down. Sincerely, Julie Chesnutt From: To: Subject: Date: Tavlor Colapret Citv Council Comments Non agenda item Wednesday, September 2, 2020 10:56:04 AM To n'honl it ma¡' concern, As a citizen of Lodi. I u'ant to convey rny expectations that the Lodi Police Depaltment u'ill make arrests for any and all acts of violence or vandalism during the upcoming BLM protest on9l5l20. The people of Lodi u,ill NOT allou'an occupation of these domestic terrolist actols in oul cit¡' as we have seen in Poltland, OR and Kenosha, WI. These protesters are not Lodi citizens and ilthe¡, fail to plotest peacefully, rve citizens expect prompt arrests, plosecution and an imrnediate escalation of force to drive them out b¡' an1, means necessaly. This council is culpable f'or any damage to local business or any halm to citizens and I pelsonalll' rvill help the harmed seek legal lepalations against this council for any darnages caused b¡' these protests if this council doesn't use ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES to immediately stop and alrest violent pl'otestel's or pel'petl'ators of vandalism. I knou'first hand that the people ofLodi are perfectly rvilling to do this.lob (yourjob) in this capacity. so ifthis council plans not to ac1 su,ilÌly and decisivel), rvith any inflaction ofthe lau'b1'these domestic terrol'ists. please publicl¡, state so. step dorvn and let the people of Lodi deal rvith such a situation b1, rvhatevel means necessal"\/. Sent from my iPhone From: To: Subjectr Dôtel Valer¡e Must¡n Citv Council Comments Non agenda item Wednesday, September 2,2020 4:27:04 PM Hello, Concerning 9/5 protest to Defund Police in Lodi, we the citizens NEVER u'ant to Defund our Police Depaftment. \We expect our town and propefiy, and person to be SAFE fi'om vandalism. harm, or any ill manner toward all of the aborre. \üe rvill stand with you if you ask that of us. Please do not fold to what others "feel'o is their light. You have a responsibility to the citizens of this toq,n and we appreciate you. Thank you fol your time and service. Valerìe Mustin Tol From; Subject: Datei Dan Panella City Council Comments I sure hope you are ready from Saturday the 5th... Sunday, August 30, 2020 9:22:38 PM Dear Council members, Really simple message. Please staff up and be prepared on September 5th Dan Panella Froml To: Subject: Datei Nate Lear Ciw Council Comments Non addenda item Monday, August 31, 2020 B:37:40 PM I am and have been a local for 53 years . I have raised my farnily and gone on to adopt three more black children and am raising them here. We are teaching them respect and appreciation for our laws and law enforcement . I am very concerned about the rioting and looting and agitators coming to our town. I feel the need to stand up and support our officers and srnall businesses that have been already wounded though Covid! I want to know that you guys take this serious that you'll prosecute crimes being committed and not sit by and watch them burn out city! I have friends that are planning to be out front of their favorite downtou,n businesses to make sure they don't suffer you rnaking our cops stand down! Valerie Lear Fromi Tor Subject: Date: Leah Suelter Citv Council Comments Non-Agenda item Tuesday, September 1, 2020 4:06:04 PM Hello City Council, I wanted to express my concern over likely damages to our Downtown Lodi and other Lodi Businesses as a result of this protest. The protestors coming Septernber 5th came a few weeks ago and blocked the streets, carried bats and wore masks preventing their identities fi"orn being known. As a result of community push back they received, or not liking what they experienced in Lodi, they decided to come back louder, and with an angry group or nonresidents that they have been urarketing to claiming our town is full of "racists" for weeks. This has the potentialto be a huge riot full of vandalisrn and looting. I say this only on the backs of what we have been seeing all across the country. lt seems that when protest participants are being fed lies to feed their anger (for example that our passed Bob Johnson is our current council mayor and a racist) and are not residents that actually know the issues of the community (this is being adveftised from Turlock to Concord to Roseville on all social media platforrns), the violence becomes the result. As a business owner, I cannot afford to replace my windows due to the deductibles we are forced to pay for insurance. Forthose of us still in business, we are stillrecuperating from COVID closures, while also preparing for the holidays and clothing stores like rnyself are preparirrg for the season change. If a brick gets thrown through my window, it will cost me $l,000 that I simply do not have plus the time closed to prevent my income. If I get looted, that is more time shut down and longer for no income. It would ruin me for the duration of the year. Mind you, as a newly sirrgle mom feeding my kids, balancing an already tight budget - impossible to survive fiscally. I am not alone - most of us are in the same tight financial struggle. Since the Chief of Police and City Manager seem to be hopeful this will be peaceful , I atn hopeful that the City Council will see the need to prepare for the worst and send a clear message that destruction is not an option. If we close, Downtown Lodi will fall. And in all honesty, many of us are expecting it and planning who to hold responsible. If that means we must hold the Police, City or specific people accountable we will since everyone has had rnultiple weeks to prepare for this. Please make arrests for illegal behavior. This allows us to file civil lawsuits against them if need be. Please follow our laws and order the police chief to protect our homes, businesses and property and not allow any laws to be walked on. Lodi is better than allowing any group of people constantly break rules and if done once, as you have seen u,ith the street closures a few weeks ago, it will get worse and they will return. Leah Suelter Business Owner Froml To: Subject: Date: Dave Nuss Citv Counc¡l Comments Non Agenda ltem Wednesday, September 2,2020 9:L9:.42 AM Deal Council Members, As a lifelong citizen of Lodi, I arn concerned about the leadelship of our police departments ability to handle the protest planned for this u'eekend. Good policing stalts u,ith assuming the rvorst and de escalating fì'om there. I believe the chief is wrong to start u'ith an assumption that u'hat he has been told by the protesters is tlue! No protester has the right to SHUT DOV/N STREETS! VANDALIZE ANY PROPERTY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE!! I-{ARASS CITIZENS!!!! lexpectthecounciltoinstructthechieftodohisdammiob! Heisnotdoinghisjobifheisonhisknees!! It is high time the police are lespected!! It starls u,ith their chief having a spine! The statistics do not suppolt the narrative ofthe protestels. The first one that attempts to break the lau,needs to be allested on the spot and et,ery one aftel that! I hope one of1,ou has the fortitude to sa¡, so! Stand on the side ofthe lau'and facts. Protest is allou,ed n'ithin given pararnetels, make it clear you ale going to allow lan,lessness. Ifthese protesters \^,ant to see change tell them that it starts rn'ith not continuing to vote fol people u¡ho promise everything and do nothing! lfthere is a blocked street, any vandalism, or harassment ofthe citizens the council rvill be held accountable at the ballot box! David Nuss 1600 Edgeu,ood Drive Sent from my iPhone Always be prepared". On September I tt, one commenter on Black Lives Matter 209's Instagram page stated, "we lleed to go tear some shit up". The page's adrninistrator responded, "Although we do not encourage or participate in violence we do understand how people could be so angry they would fuck something up, Comrade, and [sic] never hold it against anyone when they do. God bless, would love to meet you someday. Coming to Lodi? (insert flame emoji)". This is just a brief sample of the comments I have seen on organizer's pages over the last few weeks. Our fears are founded by the daily display of hatred and threats of violence written on social media. We watch the news and see what results when city leadership fails to act in defense of its constituents, and fails to support law enforcement. You can hope, wish, and plan for these protests, but I encourage the city to be prepared for the worst. Antifa is not a rutror, it's an opportunistic terrorist organizafion that uses legitirnate. constitutionally protected protests as a Trojan horse to decimate communities and perpetuate hateful anti-establishment, marxist ideology. Do not call on the taxpayers of this town, or the state and federal government to clean up the mess should violent rioting erupt. This community is blessed with a diverse and dedicated police force, and I pray that this city will ensure that the Lodi Police Depaftment has every resource available to them to keep the peace this weekend, and long into the future. Again, I remind this body that the Lodi Community would not have overwhelmingly passed measure L if we wanted to defund the police. Lodi backed the blue in2018, and we back the blue today. Screenshots frorn organizer's socialmedia attached hereto, please include these screenshots in the public record. Sincerely, A. Lee Fromr To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: M Bonilla City Council Comments City Council; Sierra Brucia; Winn. Charles Public Comment: Non-agenda Item Tuesday, September 1, 2020 11:51:58 PM image.png image.png ¡maoe.pno ¡mage.png imaoe.pno Good evening council nìembers: I arn writing in response to your recent statement regarding the "Defund the Lodi Police" protest that is scheduled for Septernber 5th. I have already expressed my feelings about the oveftaking of our streets and intimidation tactics used by organizations such as Empact, Progressive Unity, and others in the past \ ieeks, but after reading the hate-filled comnrents and listening to the divisive rhetoric in the organizers' social media pages I feel compelled to write to this body again. I, personally, felt that your statement was condescending and belittled residents' fears of violence and destruction. You would have to be living under a rock to not acknowledge the violence that has taken place in cities across this country, including numerous cities in California. If it happened in a smalltown like Kenosha, Wisconsin, it can happen in Lodi. V/e all know that while most protestors are peaceful, these protests have a propensity to devolve into violence, vandalisn'ì, and looting. In recent melnory, we watched our streets being oveftaken by unruly mobs witli bats while our law enforcement was ill-equipped to bring law and order. No arrests or citations were even issued. This statement is not a dig on LPD, they do the best that they can with the limited resources that they have. but you can't brush away fears that are founded in fact. I was also disgusted at the fact that your statement repeatedly referred to the organizers of this protest as "Lodi residents", which for the most paft, they are not. They have so little support in this community that they are advertising this protest far and wide throughout the state, even offering fuel reimbursement for any protestorthat shows up. On Empact's social rnedia page tlrey state that the organizers of this event include Black Lives Matter Stockton 209, J.U.l.C.E.S. Sacramento, Sac Social Justice Events, Sacramento Activism, and Sacramento Street EMS. One has to ponder u,hy they would need Street EMS for a "peaceful protest". A fufther confirmation that this protest is not organizedby local residents is the fact that they posted a photograph of Bob Johnson, a deceased council rnernber, with images of the KKK, calling for the removal of Bob Johnson as mayor. For those that don't know, sadly, Councilmember Johnson passed away in early 2020, and his last tenn as mayor was2014- 2015. It would be laughable, if it weren't for the fact that statements like this stoke fear and hate for the Lodi community. Steve, are these the false rumors that you were referring to in Lodi's official statement? Because I fail to recall Bob Johnson wearing a white hood and burning crosses all around town. The comments on organizers' social media pages often advocate for violence. On Sacramento Activism's Instagram page on August 28th, they have a photo of a hand gun and caption stating "what I was carrying as I covered the Antifa/BLM stuff last night. Cheap but effective. .>"1ItI,t*aI*tI.*l.-2 ',.Ë,¡¡ rt.¡rll!lJ àt ¡r?rf,I({¡¡¡,ilì,rf H rlri rlrl'IÊtlt\7l}e 'av(ur rÂ.¡ ]r0¡u;,{tjf I }t 5 '0 * gfl,1",tr'IËwe need t0 so tear some ii Êt ¡:ly .-ts b lackl i vesmatter.stoc*tsnttlg @pgroverlsad although we do nst ÊncCIurage or participate in vioÍence we do understand how people could be so angry they would fuck something up Comrade and never hold it against anyone when they do" God bless would love to meet you someday, Coming to Lodi? |UUUU*EI -rË ì' Reply G b lack I ivesm atterstockton2t9 @pgroverlsad I feel your pain #Justice :.¡ rt'- Rcf-lly black I i vesmatterstocktsn20 I @jairneeaiiover not sure whal kind of funding you got bt¡t if you offer people gâs money they can caravân and it is not too late to advertise cãravans from Sacramento and other surrounding cities just make a rally point tell everyone to rally in solidarity and have them hit the carava4û * ûU¡rf U j J r-r 2 i¡kcs Rcply (? ,^.flHä) -?J blacklivesmatterstockton20 I o i \Ad hietory by n Idree¡ and D;rle: Saturcla)' Scptcmher 1l11 City: l"odi, Ca r- t-,/-ê{ Vl" ' ¡ ¡- v!'v./ -\r{{tttll | (rcittl(rll Àtnerici¡n Leg.ron Pork March Start Ti¡ne: ¡0 AM [jeaturing: EùIPACT i, , t --r¡ rV LI r¡ t' f;s ,Å)/- (/ a l-losted By: SAC s{)cnL JUSTICE EVENTS BLACK LIVES MATTER STOCKTON 2.0 ffiHfu q2CV Liked by sacsocialjusticeevents and others ñ progressive.unity oUR EVENT HoSTED BY US AND @blacklivesmatterstockton209 ! Featuring @iuicesacramento, @empact_org, @sacsocia liusticeeve nts and @sacramentostreetems I Coming up on Saturday September 5th!!! SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! Let's all show up on Saturday September Sth! Bring allyour friends, family, and everyone you knowl lt's not enough to like a flyer! > -----Original Message----- > From : Sonj a .l ohnston <sonj aj ohnston@hotmail.com> > Sent: Thursday, August 20.2020 4:26 PM > To: Jennifèr' Cusm ir <ìcusrr ill@lodi.gor,> > Sub.iect: Defund the Police March on 91512020 > I am u'riting as a very concet'ned neall¡' lifèlong citizen olLodi. > I moved 1o Lodi u'hen I u,as l3 ¡,e¿r'r old. I attended Lodi l-ligh School and graduated in 1995. I have I'aised my 2 sons in this torvn. Until a a little ovel a month ago, u,hen LUSD announced it u'as closing schools. rr1' sons have never attended a school outside of LUSD. Clearll', this tou'n means something to my famill'. > I u,as so shocked u'hen I sau'ruultiple videos ofa nrob ofpeople. rvith bats in theil backpacks, congregating in front ofa house because they rvere flying a thin blue line flag. They rvere lepeatedll' ¡'elling that that flag signifies a hatred ofblack people and that caring about blue lives means you don't care about black lives. That is so far fi'om the h.uth. it's sickening, BUT those u,ords. that rhetoric. causes division and anger. That is hou'these people contt'ol the ernotions of their follou,ers. > Peaceful protesting is an irnporlant palt ofoul constitutional rights and I encourage it even u'hen I may disagree u'ith theil reasoning, but there is nothing peaceful about bats and other \^,eapons being brought to these events AND blocking the stl'eets dislupts the citizens and could pose issues u'ith emergencies. not to mention these people rn'ere banging on cal's including LPD cars. Not acceptable. We have lost someone rve lor,e in the line of dut¡'and out' vehicles have memorial magnets and thin blue line stickels to show oul'support to oul fallen heroes. We should nol have to u'orr1, thal people u,ill target and possibl¡, r,andalize our vehicles and/ot'homes duling a "peaceful protest" u'ith people u'ielding bats. lf Lodi govenlment and Lodi PD do not attempt to stop these things frorn happening after' 1,ou have been made au'are and seen video ploof these people cal'r)' \ /eapons and harass citizens. then that makes you complicit. since 1,ou ale the ones with the authorit)'. > Please do not allou,these people ANY latitude u'hen it comes to carrying \\'eapoÍts, harasstnent of citizens, and blocking the streets. If you given them an inch, the¡,u'ill take a rrile. Things that ma¡' seem little tuln to big things if the¡' aren't stopped in the beginning. > I appreciate ),our attention to this mattel and the time you'r,e taken to read these concerns. > Sonja Johnston > Dorvntou,n Lodi Resident Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Tlrursday, Augr-rst 20,2020,9:39 AM, Nicole \rVinans <nicolewinans@rocketmail.com> wrote: I'm a small business owner in downtown Lodi. I have been racially attacked by this group on social media recently in which I had to delete all of my accounts because the harassment and bullying and threats were too much to bear. This group has done this to several local business owners and has a reputation now of being a group where if they don't like something you say or represent; you are cause for an attack, destroy your property or beat you. This group is a terrorist group. They block traffic, drag ppl out of their cars, they cause mayhem. Lodi, if we don't put our foot down to this madness we will give them the impression that they can come in our town and bring that terrorism with them whenever they want. lf we don't stop this now they u,ill do more than just block traffic and congregate around a lodian's home and threaten to burn it down because of a flag in their yard. It will get where they will take action. Stop this!! Have the fire trucks ready loaded with colored water and if their crowd gets out of hand spray them down!!! The ppl who are blue are the ones involved and arrest them ! Why were the people carrying weapons last weekend not arrested? All I'm saying is if you don't stand up to these crazies no\.v you won't rid of them. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone > ----Original Message----- > From: terri mahowald <tenipiper@yahoo.com> > Sent: Thursday, August 20,2020 2:28 PM > To: Jennifer Cusmir <jcusmir@lodi,gov> > Subject: Do not defund our police deptl > To whom it may conceln, > I am a current citizen ofLodi and I unequivocably denounce any defunding ofour Police Department. It is your job to uphold your oaths to defend and protect the citizens of this county. Please let me make it clear. If our Police Deparlment is defunded we rvill move out of this county immediately taking my taxpa),er dollars with me. Our men in blue deserve our respect and admiration. To defund the police is a slap in their face and to tax paying citizens and business ownel's. I implore you to do the right thing and not co\.' down to this ridiculous mob violence and lawlessness because you can be sure in no uncefiain terms that as soon as you take away our Police Department our crime rates u'ill skyrocket. Look at the disaster that is Oregon and New York. Please use examples of what not do. > Sincelely a very concemed Citizen, > Teni Piper > On Aug 26,2020, at 5:45 PM, "sarahelizabethl\UT@gmaiL com" <sarahelizabethl0}T@gmail.com> wrote: > Good evening, > M), name is Sarah Scott I live in district 2 in Lodi. I just recently came across a social media post on Instagram under an account named Lodi BLM. They have demands fbr Defunding the Lodi Police department. Demanding 10%obe taken and put towards other city organizations. I In no way suppolt taking any funds arvay fiom the police depaltment and want to make sure something like that cannot happen in the tou,n I live. My email to you is to ask vvhat ì can do to make sul'e my voice is heard and that no money is plessured into being taken away fi'om lau, enforcement? I will attend city council meetings or do r¡'hatever it takes so our police department has my full suppofi. Thank you for your time. > Sarah Scott > Sent from my iPhone To: From: Subject: Dâte: mfìoonewcv City Council Comments September 5 protest Tuesday, September 1, 2020 11:16:53 AM This comment is based on the concems thal I and my farnil¡'have as citizens of Lodi. We at'e concellled that demonstratol's u,ho not live here ol vote here can caLavan into oul citl' and demand rve change city polic¡' and in addition u,alk into our neighborhoods and shout dorvn lau'abiding people because ofthe flags they fl1'at their place ofresidence. The¡,cleate distulbances and block streets and threaten the people u'ho live in the neighbothood. Life is tough enough. We are.iust asking oul lau'enforcement working u,ithin The pal'ametel's of the lau,to ensul'e the safety of people especially in neighborhoods minding their ou,n business on a Saturday, Labor Day weekend, in a little tou'n, in United States of America. Sent from my iPhone. From: Kimberly K <kim.r.kesseltôgmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 20,2020 6:12 PM To: .J en n ifer Cusm i r <jeusmil@l-Od"Lgg> Subject: We Back our Blue Happy 2020t I'm begging our City of beautiful Lodi to never defund our Police! Our beautiful Blue our the I st ones we call for help and make us feel safe during these crazy times. To defund our Police is to take away our safety nets as a community! Our Blue is always OUR backbone and I'm forever grateful and proud to back them as they do us! Please stop these not so peaceful protests too from making our cornmunity feel not at ease for backing our Blue! We as a community should always feel safe to back those who serve! Thank you for your time to read this email! Datel From: To: Subject: I am politely asking that we allow LPD to do their jobs and arest anyone who goes beyond peaceful protest. If need be that, we not hesitate and requesting the National Guard in order to keep all parties safe and to reduce the possibility of rioting in our city. We support our thin blue line. Thank you! Kind regards, Ric(Fehling Lodi Guardian Angels chapter leader. Rfehling Co. Citv Council Comments Upcoming protest Sunday, August 30,2020 9:07:33 PM From: To: Sean Nathan Citv Council Comments 912120 Council Meeting: Item H-2 Public Comment Wednesday, September 2,2020 12:46:39 PM Subject: Dater This email is written regarding ltem H-2 on the September 2, 2020 council meeting. While I believe that this project is not a good use of taxpayer money and is unlikely to be supported by the citizens of Lodi, the main issue that I have is the path that it has taken to get to this point. This site has never been discussed at a forum for open discussion, and is now being pushed through during a pandemic that discourages public input. ln addition, this site is a public park and ballfield that has been used for youth sporting events for nearly a century. Converting this to tiny homes, especially with the intention of expanding this into a homeless housing complex, will not only impact this property, but is sure to have a very negative impact on the future of this entire area. This property, along with the other parks in this area, were originally owned by the first Mayor of Lodi, George Lawrence (hence Lawrence Park, Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence Elementary, etc.). To see this area divert from the open space and sporting activities that it was intended for would be a tragedy. Lastly, as a youth baseball couch I can personally attest that it is very difficult to schedule practice times for your team during the seasons. This is directly related to the number of teams looking to practice compared to the number of fields available Removing Chapman field is only going to make this problem worse. I respectfully request that the council either votes "no" orì this item or postpones the item until such time that the citizens of Lodi can properly voice their concerns in person. Thank you, Sean Nathan 2111 Cabrillo Circle To: From: Subjectr Date: keepingfreedom Jennifer Cusmir AGAINSI planned "Homeless City" Tuesday, September 1, 2020 10:38:49 AM To Whom it May Concern (which should be ALL of you) The idea that the Lodi Parks Commission and City Council are even considering a "Homeless City" at Chapman Field on Lawrence and Stockton street is asiñine. You are not taking into consideration the houses in the area. You are not taking into consideration the youth spofts that utilize the surrounding area. You are not taking into consideration what the residents of Lodi want. I will not speak for all of Lodi, but I will speak for myself and rny children. The rnere facf fhaT I refuse to take my children to parks and open areas ofgrass, that I pay for through taxes, for fear of drug paraphernalia/trash/hunran waste/etc is unacceptable. I should not be limiting the amenities that I pay for! You are catering and taking care of individuals that do not add anything to our community. They are not paying taxes, they are dirtying our parks and streets, they are deterring us from accessing tax payer amenities, and the list goes on. Businesses are shutting down over a virus that kills less than I %. Their livelihoods are gone. But, you'll offer hand out after hand out to the homeless population. Have you stopped to consider the negative impact this development will have on youth sports? Have you stopped to consider the negative impact this development will have on an 86 year tradition of the Grape Festival? Have you stopped to consider the negative irnpact this development will have on the surrounding businesses? Have you stopped to consider the negative impact this development will have on the surrounding homes? Have you considered the elementary school that is within walking distance of this development? Have you thought about putting it in your backyards or next to your businesses? If not. close your eyes and picture your planned "Homeless City" near your house or your business. Does it bring up concern? Does it strike any feeling of discomfort? If your ans\ryer is "no," then realize you are lying to yourself. I know my circle of friends would not want this "City" anywhere near their homes or businesses. If you still have not been able to understand my concern, I will be blunt. I am against a "Homeless City" at Chapman Field or any other location within city limits. I am against the City giving free handouts to individuals that have chosen to live their lives in this way. My family does NOT work to put food in the homeless mouth, clothes on the homeless back, and shelter over the homeless head. My farnily works to provide for my farnily unit. Don't expect support from me. If you have questions or comments, please respond to this email Thank you, Stacie resident of Lodi since 1978 ANN L SCHOLL 431 EAST PINE STREET LODI GA 9,5240 September 2,2020 Dear City Manager - Steve Schwabauer, I I hear that the Lodi City Council will be making a decision about the area around the Lodi Armory and Chapman Field creating a low barrier homeless center and shelter. As the current President of the American Legion Auxiliary Lodi Unit#22, I stronglyopposethisplan. lnthatareatherearesixeventcenters:(L) thesoftball complex, (2lZupo Fielp,(3) theGrapeBowl, (4)the American Legion Hall, (5)the Eagles Lodge and (6)the LodiGrape Festivalgrounds. Afacility sucl¡as a homeless center and shelter will undoubtedly increase the homeless population in Lodi and in the proposed area. rhere lare many members of the American Legion Auxiliary that are elderly, and lalready worry about their safety when coming tb and from a meeting andlorfunction while walking to or from their cars. I worry they will be approached and/or assaulted u[ one of the homeless people who already live in Lawrence park, and now to have a homeless center and shelter, the fear and poncern only worsens' And on this 75th anniversary of the end of World War ll I feel this would and will be a slap in the face for all the members that have fought to make our country free and safe. We have been dealing with homeless in Lawrence Park for years. I can remember as a child attending the Easter egg hunt for the local children, and attending the Legion Picnic at Lawrence Park, and not have to deal with the vagrancy issue, lt is hard enough to rent our facilities out currently to the qublic with the terrible homeless situation in and around Lawrence Park. I hear the Lodi Grape Festival has to deal with danlage, garbage and filth created by the homeless that are allowed to live unlawfully in Lawrence Park' ] I How are we supposed to attract visitors to come to Lodi and attend Baseball, Basketball Youth'tournaments, Football games, or concerts in the Grape Bowl, when they see homeless center and shelter right next door? lndiJ¡duals wìll be worrying about walking to their cars, or if their cards have been broken into, or worse, the panhandling, and alte{cations' Hopefully the city council and staff of the city of Lodi can go back to the drawing board and .Jt" uo with a different location that won't be as negatively impactfulto one of the busiest parts of Lodi' Sincerely, e' "-',.;''\'n}jl Ann Scholl American Legion Auxiliary President Lodi Unit #22 & Eastside res¡dent From: To: Subject: Date: Lori Cowden CiW Council Agenda item - Purchase ne)d to American Legion Bldg for Homeless Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:21:56 PM Dear City Council Members, I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed purchase, next door to the American Legion Memorial building, which would be used as a homeless residence/shelter. While I do suppott helping the homeless, next door to this venue is not the place for it. Homeless shelters need to be separate from businesses or the businesses will not survive. This venue hosts parties, dinners, and assorted community performances, both vocal and theatrical, a great many of which are performed by our local children and teens. lf this purchase is approved, the American Legion Building will no longer be rent-able, our community will lose this important and often used venue, and the veterans Post22 will lose it's home. All of this works together to make this the wrong location for such a venture. Please, find another area to build this shelter. Next the the Anrerican Legion Building is not the answer Thank you for your consideration, Lori Cowden Froml To: Subject: Date: Corwin Brink Citv Council American legion hall Tuesday, September I,2020 2:02:37 PM To u'hom it mal,concern: I understand there is a great deal of concel'n for those that al'e in need of sheltel in our wondelful communit)' of Lodi, but please consider fÌnding a different location other than the building space across fì'om the American Legion building for Lodi's homeless indir,iduals. The American Legion Mernorial building is a location that rve have frequented in the past and I know is used for r,arious kinds of actir,ities including musicals. sports, and othel communit¡,related events. With the horneless shelter in this location, it u'ill almost be a definite loss lòr our vetel'ans u,ho use the building and for many other community membels. I have gleat empathy fol those u'ho are in need of shelter, and not knou,ing of other locations that I could suggest here in Lodi. I am hoping that u,ith ¡,our n,isdom and knon'ledge ofoul alea that another location can be chosen. Thank ¡'ou very much for your consideration in this matter' Sincerel¡,, Corel,Brink Sent fi'om my iPhone lo: From; Subject: Date Vicki Dills Ciw Council American Legion Memor¡al Building Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:35:43 PM To Whom It May Concern, I have recently learned that there is a chance that a Homeless Building is in the plan to be built across from the American Legion Building. While I feel it is important to build them a place of shelter, there must be a place in Lodi that would not interfere with Businesses and important Building such as the American Legion Memorial Building. Before Covid 19 I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend Concerts and other Activities in that great building. To put this building at a compromising situation would do great harm to the many Activities that could be taken place there. Please reconsider where this shelter for the homeless can be built. Please do not take away from the positive feelings of people gathering togetherto enjoy the performances and activities that can come to fruition in the great building, Thank you for your consideration Vicki Dills From! To: Subject: Date: Marsha Ciw Council Armory building Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:13:20 PM As a person who rvas born and raised in Lodi I am very upset with the plans for the homeless in our town. I attend both sporting events and other venues in the immediate area that will be devastated if this goes through. Please do not let this happen to our town! Thank you for your attention and consideration to this subject. Malsha Lerza Yost Sent from my iPhone To: From! Subject: Date: MtnchikTl Citv Council Baseball parks Tuesday, September 1, 2020 11:01:43 AM I want to say I am very displeased by what is planned for Chaprnan field. I cannot believe you want to take away our youth activity by putting up the homeless. There are plenty of other places this could be done. I'm disappointed that you would choose the homeless over our youth. I hope you reconsider this because it is not best for Lodi Thank you Sandi To: Cc: Froml Subject: Mike Wortell C¡tv Council Mike woftell Chapman Field - Homeless Project Tuesday, September 1, 2020 4:09:18 PMDate: Honorable Lodi City Council- My name is Mike Woftell and as a resident of Lodi, I arn writing to share my extreme displeasure with the city's choice for the location of the new homeless project. I arn asking that you reconsider taking Chaprnan Field and the Annory away from the kids and the families that use that location - for use by the homeless. There are many reasons that this is the absolutely wrong location. Contrary to u,hat the Mayor believes, Chapman Field is used seven days a week during baseball season. lt is used by both youth and adult sports. The proposed site is less fhan l 12 nr ile from an elementary school. These kids will have to walk by these homeless people every day, twice and day, to and from school, when it is back in session. Would you be ok with your kids, or grandkids walking unaccompanied by this project? The Grape Festival Grounds will, have trouble attractittg farnily events with a homeless shelter literally in their back yard. It is not right to put it across from the existing homes on Stockton St. Do you think our City Council members or City Manager would welcome it across from their home? Or what about your home(s)? While we are not against our city leaders doing something to try to help the homeless population, we are ADAMANTLY opposed to this location. I implore you to take the time to thoughtfully consider the negative impact this decision will have on the city - both short and long term. This is not the right decision. Not the right location. Not a good idea. On behalf of myself and my family, we encourage to vote against this project at this location, there is plenty of other open spaces, which do not have the negative impact. Sincerely yours, Michael Woftell/Sharon Bauer I LoDr, CA 9524C- | PHONE -916.A26.97OO I EMAIL-MIKE@MlKEWoRrELL.coM I From: To: Subject: Date: Nathan Clay City Council Champon filed Wednesday, September 2,2020 2:28:47 PM Hello rny name is Nathan Clay. I don't like the new idea that the city has planned for Champon filed. The city should look at the old meat plant off of highway 99 by Woodbridge road. That would be a great spot for those tiny houses for the homeless and for the homeless to have their tents. Champon filed is a great place for us lodi residents to have our kids playing sports like they have been doing years. Also we the residents should be the ones who get to vote on what is going to happen to our town. To: Dat€ From:Peter Matlock Ciw Council Chapman fleld/city council Wednesday. September 2,2020 I:29:.L0 PM Subject: Dear City Council Members, My name is Peter Matlock and I feel very foftunate to be able to say that I was born in Lodi and am now starting my own family in Lodi. Everyday it seems like I hear news that makes me feel like Lodi is turning for the worse. When I grew up here I was proud to call myself a Lodian and I can unfoftunately no longer say that due to the mishandling of local issues. I've watched the "good boys club" I mean city council fumble decision after decision and I'm tired of it. The only successful thing I've seen get pulled off is Doug Kuehne getting his pickle ball courts approved for his own pleasure. You sit around spineless passing the buck while I've watched the homeless get catered to due to your ignorance. Being raised in the Lodi community I was raised to do what's right regardless of the consequence - I wish you held these same morals when it came to standing up to state politicians or statutes. I grew up playing sports af Zupo, The Grapebowl, Chaprnan Field, and the Softball Complex' When I wasn't smashing homeruns during the garne my parents felt safe letting me hang out with my friends in the surrounding area because lodi was safe. Let me repeat that... I was a child and my parents felt safe letting me spend time with my friends because Lodi was safe. Now I'm 3l and have spent years in special operations as a Recon Marine and I wouldn't hang out in the same area due to the infestation of transients and unsafe conditions. It's madness. Now you permanently want to set up shop for the homeless at the same location where children play ball. I am embarrassed for our community that this is even an option. Chaprnan field helped mold rne into the man that I arn today. People should continue to feel safe raising their kids in this community and you are quickly taking that away from them. Don't blame the state. Don't blame anybody else. Blame yourself because this is happening on your watch. Last year I sat quietly and listened to the City Manager, Steve Schwabauer, complain about how ihe homeless have left needles and feces in the ernpty lot across from his house and his kids could possibly run into them. Now I'm watching hinr put those same homeless not in an ernpty lot but at a park where all of the kids in our corrrrunity play. How does that rnake sense? Quit making excuses. Find another location. Quit punishing the people that built this community. Quit acting like politicians. Stand up and be a leader for Lodi. We are watching you. Peter Matlock Fromi To: Subject: Datei Juanita LoDez Citv Council Chapman Field Wednesday, September 2, 2020 I2:02:I3 PM To whom it may concern, I am writing in regards to the proposed plan to build housing for the homeless at Chapman park. I understand the need to help those who are ¡n need but this is not the appropriate area. l, myself was born and raised in Lodi and have lived in the area around Lawrence school for over 25 years. Although my neighborhood is safe, my children and I do not feel safe walking near the grape festival grounds and Lawrence park. On one occasion as my child and I walked our dogs across the street from Lawrence park a group that was at the park threatened to have their dog attack my dogs and another individual said he was going to take my dogs. Since that occasion we do not walk in that area. We have been walking to downtown so my son can play Pokemon GO and if the city decides to build this encampment that will no longer be something we can do, since my child does not feel safe walking by. I and many of my neighbors do not feel this is fair to our us and our kids. Also, I am sure you are aware that there is an elementary school a block away. Once school resumes will you be able to guarantee the safety of children and families while walking by the park? Some of the people that would be at this encampment have mental issues, which I understand need to be addressed but can also make them dangerous to parents walking their kids to and from school. Come winter and it starts to get foggy it will become a dangerous situation, not only for our kids but the people coming and going from that area. People will not feel safe leaving their cars in the area when they come to the grape festival, baseball games or the Grape Bowl Classic that is held every year. There are many other examples I can give as to why this is not a good solution but I am sure you have heard plenty from the community. THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN SHOULD COME BEFORE ANYTHINc!!!!Allowing this encampment to be put so close to a school is unacceptable, ls the city going to provide 24 police presence to keep everything under control so that those who live in the area are safe? As I stated before I understand the need to help the homeless but the area that you have chosen is not the best area to do this. You are hurting the surrounding neighborhoods we have a right to be able to walk down the street and not feel unsafe. I am sure that the members of the council can come together and find a more appropriate place.that is away from the most precious things we have........OUR CHILDREN! Thank you for you time and I hope you will understand the concern of the community. To: From: Subject: Dâte: Kurt Anderson City Council Chapman/Armory Monday, August 31, 2020 11:33:03 PM Council rnembers. M1, name is Kurt Anderson and I am the Plesident of Lodi Booslers of Boys/Girls Sports. I am \\i riting to share my extl'eme displeasure r¡'ith the citl''r .¡o'.. for the location of the nen'homeless ploject. As the leader of the oldest and probably lalgest group u'hich presents ¡,outh spot'ts in Lodi - I arn asking that you reconsidel taking Chapman and the Armoty ar¡'ay fi'om the kids - fot'use by the horneless. There are man), reasons that this is the absolutel), u'r'ong location. Chapman Field has been used by kids in Lodi for )'eal's. Thousands of kids have played on the field as the¡' progless in our program. Contlat'¡' to u'hat the Ma1,or believes" Chapman Field is used seven da¡,s u,n,..U duling baseball season. lt is used b¡'both ),outh and adult sports and is an actual revenue stream for the city fi'orn the adult leagues that play there. The pt'oposed site is less than 1/2 mile fì'orn an elementar¡, school. These kids u'ill have to u'alk by these homeless people ever1, day. tu'ice and da¡'. to and fi'om school. Would 1'ou be ok u'ith )'oul kids. or grandkids rvalking unaccompanied by this ploject? The American Legion and Eagles llall ale comerstones of the communit¡, and they u'ill be negatively impacted as u'ell. Not to mention the Grape Festit,al Grounds u'hich u,ill. undoubtedl¡'. have trouble attracting famil¡, evs¡15 ,^'¡1¡ . homeless shelter litelallf in their back ¡,¿¡¿. The Lodi Boosters o1'Bo¡,s/Çi¡lr sports has been an integral part of the community fbr 60 ¡,eals. We have palttreled with the cit¡, - for sixty I'ears - bringing lou'cost, affordable spol'ts to the kids u,ho u,ant to play. Losing these t\\,o locationsu,ill seliousl¡'impactourabilit¡,tocontinuethelevel ofservicetoourcustomers-the¡,outhofLodi. We have done tens of thousands of dollars in impror,ements at parks and facilities over the 1'eals. happil¡' and voluntalily pouring money into the palks. fields and courts of Lodi. While u,e are not against oul city leadels doing something to tr), to help the homeless population. rve are ADAMANTLY opposed to this location. As a 20 ),ear resident. and in m¡,role as Plesident of BOBS. r'epresenting the intelest of hundreds of kids, I implole you to take the tirne to thoughtfull¡, consider the negative impact this decision rvill have on the citl' - both short and long term. This is not the right decision. Not the ilght Iocation. Not a good idea. I'r,einvitedthecitymanagel'tospeaktooulboardofdirectors-rvhichhedidnotaccept. Insteadhehad.lohnDella Monica contact us. We have invited John to our August meeting - u,hich he couldn't attend. I'r,e also invited him to speak at our Septerlber meeting - u,hich I har¿e yet to receive a response. I am hopeful that someone fi'om the cit¡' 1a,6u1¿ take the time u'e think 60 1,ears of dilect sen'ice to the cotnmunity afl'ords us. Please let me knou,if I can help in any u,a¡' Sincerell,, Kutl Anderson President Lodi Boosters of Bol's/Girls Spolts 711 Cardinal Street Lodi, CA 95240 209 642 s093 To: Ccr From: Subject: b¡gkcloetersol PRCS Commission Meetino Comments City Council Chapman Park "Homeless City" petition Tuesday, September l,2020 7:06:07 PMDatei I am a Lodi resident in the proposed location area. I am very unhappy with your consideration of this plan! Not only are many Lodi residents unaware of this plan that would disgrace our wonderful town! The fact that they would locate this "Homeless City" near Lawrence Elementary, not to ment¡on one of Lodi's Historic grape bowl. I cannot believe they would use the edge of cov¡d19 to suggest such a plan where residents aren't made aware of something that would lower property value and safety of their family! Sent fi'om rny Verizon, Samsung Galaxy srrrartplrone August 78,2020 Dear City Attorney Magdich Recently there was news that the area around the Lodi Armory and Chapman Field was being looked at to create a low barrier homeless center and shelter. As a director of the Lodi Grape Festival I strongly oppose this plan. ln that area there are six event centers: the softball complex, Zupo Field, the Grape Bowl, the American Legion Hall, the Eagles Lodge and the Lodi Grape Festival grounds. A facility of this kind will undoubtably increase the homeless population in Lodi and in the proposed area. Build it and they will comel There is no way people would want to rent the above facilities with a homeless encampment at the¡r front door. lt is hard enough to rent our facilities now with the terrible homeless situation in and around Lawrence Park. On a daily basis, the Lodi Grape Festival must deal with damage, garbage and filth created by the homeless that are allowed to live unlawfully in Lawrence Park. Hopefully, the City Council and staff of the City of Lodi can go back to the drawing board and come up with a different location that won't be as negatively impactful to one of the busiest parts of Lodi. Sincerely, Bernard (Bernie) Vigil From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: nicole beadles PRCS Commission Meet¡no Comments; Citv Council Nicole Citizens again Homeless Crty @ Chapman Field Tuesday, September 1, 2020 12:16:36 PM To Whom It May Concern, I am a resident and business owner in the City of Lodi and I am opposed to a Homeless City @ Chapman Field, or anywhere in Lodi for that matter. This will not only bring honre prices down but the city in general. I understand the homeless ppl are a problern but let's not cater to them and build them housing, while the contributing citizens of the City of Lodi home values, propefties, and businesses go down. I dont have any suggestions as of now on what to do for the Homeless, but I am willing to help the City of Lodi come up with something that pleases the whole communify. Thank you, Nicole Beadles 209-483-4492 From: To: Subject: Date: Spencer Rhoads Ciw Council City Council Agenda ltem - H-2: Tiny Homes Project Location Approval Wednesday, September 2,2020 2:52:35 PM City Council Members and City Manager, Like the 45 Lodians who took the time to contact the Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission about the Temporary Sanitation Station and envisioned Tiny Homes housing project for the homeless at Chapman Field, I am deeply concerned with this project - especially due to the location and lack of transparency associated with these types of projects. Resìdents and businesses in the area have expressed their concern about the growing population around Lawrence and Chapman Parks for years, and the council has conducted town hall meetings on the general topic of homelessness for the community to voice their concerns. As a community, we have been told time and time again thatthe council's "hands are tied," and that law enforcement legally cannot force the homeless to move from a public space. l've heard multiple City officials claim that "it's not a crime to be homeìess," and they are correct. But it's impossible to ignore that there are a majority of homeless individuals who have or are continuing to commit crimes - evidenced by the fact that over 120 transient individuals in our city are registered sex offenders according to our State's Megan's Law website. Three separate city entities are providing three conflicting reasons as to why Chapman Field was chosen: 1) The Parks and Recreation Commission's August 2Tth "Combined Director's Office Report and Staff Briefing" states that after working with Public Works Department staff on this City Management-led initiative, the location of this projectwas chosen for "safety reasons," as it has lighting, a concessions building, and fencing. 2) The Parks and Recreation department has e-mailed concerned residents that Chapman Field was chosen because it was already a problem area where the homeless naturally congregate. 3)The Mayor has been quoted saying that the park was chosen because it is "under used." First off, lighting, a concessions building, and fencing are irrelevant to the conversation around "safety." Many businesses and parks have been victim to vandalism and stolen property, despite doing everything in their powerto prevent itfrom happening. I encourage you allto please listen to your city partners such as the Lodi Boosters of Boys and Girls Sports (BOBS). They recently posted on their Facebook page recent acts of vandalism at Salas Park, in which the locked concession building doors were ripped open, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage and stolen goods and money that go to support our kids. Although we cannot "assume" this damage was done by the homeless in thrs instance, we have many reports across our city that the homeless have committed similar acts in recent years. Just ask your Parks and Recreation department staff how many times they have had to close our city park bathrooms because of damage done by the homeless. As forthe Parks and Recreations Department's response - just because those who are homeless are naturally drawn to that area does not mean that the city should lurn a de faclo location for the homeless into a formal one. For many, Chapman Field is a lot like Zupo Field. lt's a place near and dear to many parents and children in our community, and it's an absolute shame that we have allowed the homeless population to grow to a point that the community chooses to play softball and baseball games at other fields. Personally, I grew up watching my dad play softball games at Chapman field. I was the kid that would field home run balls that were hit in the parking lot that is now basically a camp for the homeless. There are memories made there, and hopes that our city will prioritize parks again. Lastly, the reason why Chapman Field is "under used" is because for the better part of two decades, our city has not made needed investments into existing parks infrastructure, and budget cuts to the Parks and Recreation Department have forced the city into doing the most it can with very little resources, oftentimes resulting in BOBS and other youth sports organizations to maintain city parks on their own dime or through volunteers. The homeless have capitalized on our city's inability and unwillingness to make our parks and sports complexes more attractive spaces for youth and adult sports, causing competitive and amateur leagues to choose our neighboring citres of Ripon and Stockton to hold events. lt's unfortunate that we claim to be a tourist destination, yet allow thousands of parents in travelling leagues to not support our local businesses and generate much needed tax revenue. I also fìnd it ironic that you claim the property is "under used" yet the renderings in today's agenda show that over 6O% of Chapman field would be left completely vacant and just as equally "under used." With Measure L, the city showed that it is capable of sending questionnaires to households to gauge publìc interest and receive feedback. ln fact, when the city surveyed the publìc for Measure L, our city overwhelmingly supported funds to improve/maintain two city functions: public safety and parks. Could the city do something similar, and send households withìn a one-mile radius of the project a poll on whether or notthey'd support a project lìke this? The Committee on Homelessness has not metsince May, and although we've had general discussions on homelessness atTown Hall meetings, this particular proposal, especially the location, has not been vetted by the public - leaving many to believe that our City is taking advantage of the lack of meetings under the COVID-19 crisis in order to quickly pass a policy that they know the general public will not support. Councilmember Chandler, consìdering this project is in your district and your involvement on the Committee on Homelessness, what is the feedback you are receìving from local businesses and parents in the area? Do they want this? Do you want this? Would you be comfortable with the Tìny Homes Project in your neighborhood, considering you live within a few blocks from Lakewood Elementary? There is obviously a desire to keep a cooperative working relationship between the Council and City Management, and to avoid having one override the other's objectives. Yes, there are deadlines and fears that if the City Council does not approve this soon, our city will lose out on grant funding. However, I believe the concern should be doing what's best for our entire community - not about doing it fast, but doing it right. And we must do what's right by both our property owners and our transient community. Many staff hours have been dedicated to the issue of homelessness these past few years, and you may feel that our city has reached a point that "We have to try something," or prove to your constituents that our city is doing something on homelessness. But if we truly want to do what's best for the homeless, the answer is not taking the lead from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or even the State, as we've seen billions of dollars hastily funneled to these types of projects with little to no accountabi lìty or positive results l'm not asking that we abandon the homeless, because it's obvious they need our help. What I ask is that you please take a step back, ask the surrounding community what they want, and listen to your constituents. lt may take one year to build Tiny Homes, but it will take many years to re-build trust wlth your community if this passes. Slncerely, Spencer Rhoads From: lo: Subject: Date: Peter Matlock Citv Counc¡l comments on item H=02 to be read into the public record Wednesday, September 2, 2020 1:45:50 PM My comments on item H:02 to be read into the public record for tonight's city council meeting. Dear City Council Members, My name is Peter Matlock and I feel very fortunate to be able to say that I rvas born in Lodi and am now stafiing my own family in Lodi. Everyday it seems like I hear news that makes me feel like Lodi is turning for the worse. When I grew up here I u,as proud to call rnyself a Lodian and I can unfoftunately no longer say that due to the mishandling of local issues. I've watched the "good boys club" I mean city council fumble decision after decision and I'm tired of it. The only successful thing I've seen get pulled off is Doug Kuehne getting his pickle ball coufts approved for his own pleasure. You sit around spineless passing the buck while I've watched the homeless get catered to due to your ignorance. Being raised in the Lodi community I was raised to do what's right regardless of the consequence - I wish you held these same morals wlren it came to standing up to state politicians or statutes. I grew up playing sports aIZupo, The Grapebowl, Chapman Field, and the Softball Cornplex. When I wasn't smashing homeruns during the game my parents felt safe letting me hang out with my friends in the surrounding area because lodi was safe. Let me repeat that... I was a child and my parents felt safe letting me spend time with rny friends because Lodi was safe. Now I'm 3l and have spent years in special operations as a Recon Marine and I wouldn't hang out in the salne area due to the infestation of transients and unsafe conditions. It's madness. Now you permanently want to set up shop for the homeless at the same location where children play ball. I am embarrassed for our community that this is even an option. Chapntan fìeld helped mold me into the man that I am today. People should continue to feel safe raising their kids in this community and you are quickly taking that away from them. Don't blame the state. Don't blame anybody else. Blame yourself because this is happening on your watch. Last year I sat quietly and listened to the City Manager, Steve Schwabauer, complain about how the homeless have left needles and feces in the empty lot across from his house and his kids could possibly run into them. Now I'm watching him put those same homeless not in an empty lot but at a park where all of the kids in our corrrrunity play. How does that make sense? Quit making excuses. Find another location. Quit punishing the people that built this community. Quit acting like politicians. Stand up and be a leader for Lodi. We are watching you. Peter \4atlocl< To: Cc: From: Subject: Date: Scott Tonn C¡W Council Comments Scott Tonn Concerning Agenda ltems H-l and H-2 - To Be Read at Council Meeting in Public Comment Forum Sept 2, 2020 Wednesday, September 2,2020 1,I:29:16 AM To the Members of the Lodi City Council. I am a downtown Lodi property owner on School Street. I hope you watched the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting last evening; if you did not, you would have heard scores of Citizen and Business Owner pleas to deny the Tiny Home proposal at Chapman Park as well as opposition to converting the Amory into a homeless low barrier shelter. I remind each of you who you serve; you serve the citizens of Lodi. Yes, you have challenges in addressrng the problem with the drug addicts andlor the mentally ill which make up the majority of what has been coined the "homeless" here in Lodi. Many understand a low barrier shelter may be in order somewhere, someday, to comply with State Law, but such is not technically before you this evening, As the elected stewards of our City, it is incumbent on each of you to outright reject the City Manager's recommendation fortheTiny House Project location at Chapman Park and, at minimum, defer the adoption of the County Homelessness Plan and vote against Agenda ltems H-1 and H-2. Regarding Agenda ltem H-1, it is premature to adopt the San loaquin County Response to Homelessness Plan. The City Council must clearly understand and share with its Citizens the long- term affect of adopting the County's Homelessness plan through impact studies that clearly measure and define short and long term costs, environmental, security, and other pertinent impacts to the Citizens of Lodi. I ask for you to at minimum table or otherwise defer this item until such impact studies can be commissioned and shared with the Citizens. Concerning Agenda ltem H-2, the Tiny House location at Chapman Park, if the Lodi City Council approves this location, be duly advised you will be knowingly: 1. lnviting a class action lawsuit filed against the City of Lodifor diminution of home values; and 2. lnviting an injunction and lawsuit filed against the City of Lodi for misappropriation of City property; and 3. lnviting an injunction and lawsuitfiled againstthe City of Lodito stop a use which is non- conforming with the City of Lodi General Plan; and 4. lnviting a City-wide call for a third-party investigation of the City of Lodi's process to related to all aspects of the Tiny House Project and grant. Already, in just days, a private group of citizens and business owners have secured legal fund commitments of over S50,251.00 to challenge an affirmative vote to demolish Chapman Park's baseballfield for this purpose. ln addition to the likely (and extraordinary) distractions and non-budgeted defense costs the City of Lodiwillsuffer if the Chapman Park location is approved byyou, the City Council must also ask itself: 1. Why is the City donating a functlonal, fully developed ballfield to the County when the Council (and all of us) were originally told ...... the Tiny House grant contained funds to buy land for the project? Now, under the City's misjudging of th¡s grant process and cost profile, the story is "there's not enough money for land now" .....so now our Kids need to hand over their fields to the County and HUD; and 2. Why rs the Council allowing the City and its Citizens to be under-the-gun of a Grant expiration? lf other, more affordable, compliant, smaller, suitable, and vetted land cannot be secured, within the Grant budget, then so be it; 3. Why is the City of Lodi the only City in San Joaquin County to even apply for this Tiny House G ra nt? 4. Why has no study been commissioned and duly distributed to our Citizens and Business Owners, especially those within 0-3 miles of Chapman Park, to clearly demonstrate the long- term security, environmental, health, and economic impacts to its citizens and businesses who you serve. Why not? Ask yourself, why aren't the Citizens the priority here? Why wasn't more time and money allocated to look out for us? 5. Why do we need a whole baseball field sized lot for six (6) "TINY HOUSES" when many in this town live on 4,000 SF lots with normal sized homes? Even if each Tiny house got allocated 3,000SF of land, that would be less than a % acre needed. 6. Why would the Counciì demolish a perfectly fine ballpark that has been properly updated, is ADA compliant, and abuts other fields for tournament play? 7. WhatistherealcosttoourCitizenstofullyreplacethisparkpursuanttotheGeneral Plan? Has any study been completed? Where would it be? For all these reasons, and many more, please appropriately deny the Tiny House placement at ChapmanParkandvoteagainstH-2. lftheGrantexpires,thensobeit. lt'sOkwithustocut our losses. As a final note. Mayor and Council: Placing clearly controversial and important items such as H- 1 and H-2 atthe end of an agenda is not befitting and is teetering on the non-transparent. ln the future, such important items should always be moved to the front of the agenda to insure all citizens time to speak and be heard. Respectf u I ly, Scott Tonn From To: Cc: Dave Marken City Council Virginia Marken Council decision on time homes placement Tuesday, September 7,2020 7:58:'26 AM Subject: Date: Honorable Mayol and City Council. My rvir,e Virginia and I u'ill be in attendance to protest the potential decision of the National Guard adjacent Chapman field. a,ho,r and the We are homeou'nels in the Heritage district a fen'blocks f}om the proposed site. We have u'orked diligently to implove our area and neighborhood. Proposing this placement u'ould be a affront to the Veteran's (of u'hich my u'ife is one), businesses. plal,ing fields ftrr oul children, and peoples homes. It has been our undelstanding that Victor Fine Foods ofhighu'ay 99 has been luled out. Considel the26 are propel'ty. although zoned fol'aglicultulal purposes. could be rezoned fol homeless housing. Potable u'ater sources and portapotties can be set up. Please suggest this site and a f'ence be built along the propert),to not sub.iect the traveling public to the squalor', drug dealing and alcoholism. Research reveals that homelessness is ovelu,helmingly associated with mental illness, dlug and/ol alcohol abuse. The dlug dealers u,ho u'e r.r,atch regulall¡, commit deals all ovel our city. u'ould need to travel to do the drug deals to the Victor site. As a case in point, Ì obsen,ed a clear' dlug deal take place dou,ntorvn,l had a discription ofthe dealer and the addict, I called the police and u'as told by dispatch that it u'as not a selious enough crime to send out the police. lf this is approved, rve u'ill considel legal action, and/or u'ill possible consider mor,ing out of the citl' 1a,s 161,s. Sincerely, Dr. and Mls. David .1. Mat'ken 302 E. Oak St. Lodi CA From: To: Subject: Date: Denise Ellswofth City Council Cure for the homeless Wednesday, September 2,2020 l:01:49 PM The weak leadels in Lodi. and Cali....don't make decisions based on logic ol success rate....but purell' on emotion and politics. No tents https://www.þr'bes.com/sites/michaelshellenbelger/2019/09/12lwhy-califomia-keeps-making-homelessness-rvorse/ Sent lrom my iPad From: To: Subject: Date: kathy dais Citv Council Fw: Armory/Chapman field destruct¡on Saturday, August 29, 2020 8:55:27 AM f would like to know why 6-7 people on ony commission tgnote the ínput from the hundreds of citizens of Lodi regarding the fntrusiveHomeless Compound Project. Would ony of you ond your fomilies, wíves qnd children stond by ond ollow this compound to be estoblished qcross your stree'l or even ín your neighborhood? How obout whíle your entire fomily ís ottendÍng o sporting event ot the Grope Bowl or the softboll complexes, your cors qre broken ínto, if not stolen, ond the stench from the compound ond the spill over of trosh ond destruction is oll oround, you.. Lowrence School is so close, just how mony of the lowless vqgronts are registered for some sort of sexuol offense? TheLegíon buildíng, the Armory,The Eogles building, oll respecting our militory bronches, to be disrespected by delíberately plocíng oll the lowless, f ilthy vogronts of this project IN THEIR FACES, AND TAKING THE AR,1^ORy AWAY ALL TOGETHER. Chopmon Field should be preserved for the thousonds of Lodiqns who hove enjoyed sporting events there for decodes. Zlpo field, onother fomíly pork for decades,has been obondoned by you people, rother it should havebeen re buílt, immediotely afler the fire. f con see thol will nøver hoppen, now, becouse, os you shove this homeless compound down our throots, now, you will site it would not be wíse to rebuild Zupo qcross thestreel from the homeless compound. Our celebration of Gropes, every year, of our Grape Festivol 6rounds, should olso be tqken into considerotion. Tfeel the city council ond the porks commission are not port of Lodi citizens ony longer, You ore oll puppets of Gruesome Newsom. THINK THINK, THÏNK, for yourselves, for your fomílies ond for the cittzens you ore supposed to represenl, f or the future fomilies to enjoy whqt our Lodi hos to offer. This project is Absurd, in oll ospects. f om ogoinst ony compound created by the city, for ony group of people who hove no destre to contríbute to society ín ony woy. To go f orward with thís níghtmore, is to INVITE homeless from other Towns. This compound will not sotisfy the need to off er housing, "then police con do something obout vogroncy qll over the cíty". No it wíll not. Thís compound fN OUR CITy, is o woste of funds, no mqtter where they come from. It will lower property volues f or the entire areo. It will be thø stepping slone to o huge disoster, How proud will your fomíltes be of eoch of you when thís stqrts to negotively impoct eoch of theír lives? THINK, THINK, THINK ! Kothy Dois From¡ To: Subject: Date: Den¡se Ellsworth City Council Enabling the drug addicts that are homeless Monday, August 31, 2020 8:53:21 PM Please reconsider the low barrier shelter'. The location that u'as chosen should NEVER be near a school. What u'ere you thinking? Don't you cale about the irnpact on children? Surly must be aware of the homeless issues plaguing Lodi. I can't attach videos or pictures ofwhat the homeless addicts do in the palk and aLound tonn evel)i day. Hopefulll,, you u,ill reconsider Very disoppointed regislered voler ond community volunteer member of TAKE BACK LODI. ond proud of whot WE ore oble to occomplish From: Dwight Holmq uist <shdh @ pacbell. net> Sent: Tuesday, September L,202O 9:30 PM To: CityofLodi_CityManager <CityManager@lodi.gov>; Andrew Keys <akeys@lodi.gov>; Janice Magdich <jmagdich@lodi.gov>; Doug Kuehne <dkuehne@lodi.gov>;Alan Nakanishi <anakanishi @lodi.gov>; Mark <jmounce@-lıliil mquil@hotmail com> Subject: Homeless Camp Location To Whom It May Concern, I find it absolutely unacceptable to designate the Stockton Street location for a Homeless Camp. We own our family home at 405 Sonora Avenue and it's been in the family since 1953. While the neighborhood has seen its ups and downs over the years, we have always felt it to be special because of its location. You could walk to ballgames, special events, the Grape Festival and the neighborhood school. It has been bad enough with the homeless taking up residence at Lawrence Park. Our daughter has witnessed many drug deals as she drives by. It has become unsafe for our children to play, or even to walk your dog, especially after dark. The addition of a designated area for homeless camps right in the rniddle of a place u4rere so much takes place for the community is appalling. We urge you to put the community at large first. Do the right thing and vote NO on this issue Please!!!! Sincerely, Susan Holmquist, Owner Dwight Holmquist, Owner Lisa Hohnquist, Daughter/Renter Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android Chandler <mchandler@ lod i.gov>; JoAnne Mounce From: To: Subject: Datei Julie Chesnutt Citv Council FW: Proposed Homeless Shelter Wednesday, September 2, 2020 1:33:01 PM Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council, Recently there was news that the area around the Lodi Armory and Chapman Field was being looked at to create a low barrier homeless center and shelter. As the 2020 President of the Lodi Grape Festival, 3rd generation Lodian, and a downtown homeowner for the last 40 years, I am appalled and strongly oppose this plan. ln the proposed area, there are six event centers: the softball complex, Zupo Field, the Grape Bowl, the American Legion Hall, the Eagles Lodge and the Lodi Grape Festival grounds. ln addition, there is the new bowling alley/eatery and Papapavlo's RestauranVbusiness complex both under construction. A facility of this kind will undoubtably increase the homeless population in Lodi and in the proposed area. Build it and they will come! There is no way people would want to rent the above facilities with a homeless encampment at their front door. lt is hard enough to rent our facilities now with the terrible homeless situation in and around Lawrence Park. On a daily basis, the Lodi Grape Festival and neighboring facilities have to deal with damage, garbage and filth created by the homeless that are allowed to live unlawfully in Lawrence Park. ln our neighborhood and in the downtown area, we have personally seen an increase of crime, garbage and disgusting behavior by the homeless. Just last week we saw a homeless man try to break into a neighbor's home and reported it to LPD. Hopefully, the City Council and staff of the City of Lodi can go back to the drawing board and come up with a different location that will not be as negatively impactful to one of the busiest and new and upcoming parts of Lodi. All of these venues/businesses bring revenues into the City of Lodi and make up "Lovable Livable Lodi". Let's save Lodi, not tear it down. Sincerely, Julie Chesnutt Fromr To: Subject: Date: Skve Skye City Council; PRCS Commission Meetino Comments Fwd: Homeless City Proposal Wednesday, September 2, 2020 Ii37i42 PM I am writirrg this email in regards to the proposal for a honreless city on Stockton street. I have been a resident of Lodi my entire life and lived in the very neighborhood in which this homeless city is being proposed for 20 years. Over the last several years Lodi has experienced a significant increase in the homeless population. However, I am not seeing how building cities for them to live is solving the problern. In fact, it is rnaking it more enticing for the homeless to remain here, to not work to get themselves out of povefty and to enable them to continue the behaviors that led them to becorning holneless. The homeless population is full of drug abusers and ridden with crime. It is a terrible and careless idea to house these criminals in residential areas, just a block away from schools, and recreational facilities such as the Grape Bowl and baseball fields. The city and its people have made great strides in cleaning up the nor-th east side of town and this certainly will undo all of it. The homeowners in the areaare going to have a dramatic loss in property value as nobody is going to want to buy their home near a homeless city. We are not solving the homeless problern by giving them housing; we are enabling it while endangering the neighborhood in which it resides. You are providing the homeless with a safe place to do drugs and continue living a life free from the consequences of their actions. Who will pay to maintain these homeless cities? Who will monitor and clean up these homeless cities? Who will ensure our children are safe from these criminals? Who will compensate us for the loss in our home propefty values? What happens when the homeless population increases and these cities aren't enough and again we have homeless rampant in the streets? You are going to drive out the hard working people that have built their lives in Lodi and replace them with non contributing drug abusers. This idea is revolting and it is becoming a disgrace to live in this city! Skye Connors From: to: Subject: Date: Ralph Cesena Citv Council; JoAnne Mounce; Mark Chandler; Alan Nakanish¡; Douo Kuehne Fwd: Chapman F¡eld Friday, August 28,2020 10:34:35 AM Dear City Leadership, As a suppofter of youth sports in Lodi, and the director of the NorCal Hoops / NorCal Flying Tigers AAU youth basketball program, we feel the need to speak out. I have already sent this emailto the Parks Commission. For the past I 8+ years, we have brought tens ofthousands ofyouth basketball players, fans, farnily and friends to Lodi to enjoy youth sports in our uniquely safe environment. On any given weekend our tournaments may host 50 to I 00 teams, consisting of 500 to I ,000 players, and some 2,500 to 5,000 farnily, coaches, referees and fans. In totalthere can be 3,000 to 6,000 people at our tournamenta for the weekend. While here, these farnilies visit restaurants, shop dolntou,rr, visit our wineries, and contribute to the Lodi economy. Lodi HAS BEEN a place where these parents have felt safe bringing their children and families to enjoy our youth sports experience. They have a trusted relationship with us, as a purveyor of youth spolts. In addition, our organization has rented the Lodi Armory, Lodi High, Tokay High, Bear Creek High and McNair high facilities from Lodi Unified - as well as the Lodi Arrnory, Lodi Grape Pavillion, Lodi Boys and Girls Club, and facilities at several local churches. The rental fees we pay contribute to offsetting operating costs for these facilities amounting to tens of thousands of dollars a year. So we must express our concern about possibly setting up a homeless camp at Chaprnan field Some Lodi "leaders" have decided to pander to homelessness as a pennanent condition, rather than actually identiflz the root causes, remediation such root causes, and ask the homeless to become responsible citizens of our beautiful comrnunity. The homeless have been allowed to turn areas of our town into bio hazard garbage heaps,, while community organizations fonn to clean up yhe mess left behind- often to have some call them organizations of hate simply because they have a higher expectation ofconduct for anyone who chooses Lodi as their home. The lack of SOLUTIONING has been astonishing. The community is TIRED of discussing how to sustain the homeless in Lodi - which will only bring more homeless. They want a solution to eliminate homelessness in Lodi. I personally know a homeless person who came to Lodi from Southern California, because he had lived and worked here before - and felt it was "safe" to come here and be homeless (e.g. he could more safely sleep in a field, than in SoCal). Enabling people to remain homeless is not a solution. It is perpetuation of the problem, and puts our community at risk. I have watched in dismay as Lodi has become a miniature version of San Francisco, where people are enabled to sustain a homeless lifestyle that will - u,ithout a doubt - result in their lives ending sooner than they should due to chronic drug abuse, lack of Healthcare, unsanitary living conditions and more. Not to mention putting the non-horneless community at risk. Someday in the near future, politicians and business interests u,ill allow the greenbelt between Stockton and Lodi to disappear, and our community will lose its identity and chann...forever. People living here as good citizens are growing weary of this condition. Our basketball organization no longer feels Lodi is a safe place to conduct youth sports. And with a homeless camp at Chaprnan Field, that would negatively impact our ability to continue conducting youth spofts at the Armory and Lodi Grape festival Pavillion - as well as at other sites within Lodi. The Chaprnan Field proposed homeless camp represents a clear and present danger to the youth in our cornrnunity - and to youth athletes that have for years traveled to Lodi because of its uniquely safe environment as cornpared to tournaments in larger cities. In short, Lodi was a safe place to bring kids, family and fi"iends to participate in the fellowship of youth sports. The continued enablement of the homeless community in Lodi has resulted in a climate of unacceptable risk for our organization. A risk that could result in harm to the children who participate in our youth sports events, and open up our organizafion to liability that didn't exist just a few years ago. Sadly, the Chapman Field homeless camp would likely put and end to our organization hosting these youth spofts events, even though we live here in the community, and will usher in our exit to other more safe locations in surounding small communities. We urge you to reconsider, and re adjust your focus to SOLVING the homeless problern in Lodi - not fuffher enabling homelessness as a lifestyle choice. My grandfather, Thomas J Castles, penned the city of Lodi's theme song "Love to be in Lodi"...."its the Tokay Hall of Fame". Unfor-tunately, if the Chaprnan Field proposal moves forward in Lodi... there won't be thousands of youth spofis participants who "Love to be in Lodi" on the weekends. Please reconsider your plans Ralph Cesena Jr To: From: Subject: Date: Jim Cook City Council Homeless Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:04:35 PM Lodi should not encoulage the homeless. By providing fäcilities we arc only encouraging more to move to Lodi. I u,ould prefel' spending Lodi money to build facilities out of our alea. Sent fi'om my iPhone Date: From: fo: Subject: I was just infonned that the building across from the American Legion is going to possibly purchased for the homeless population. I have lived in Lodi for 46years and I know homelessness is an issue and will always be a never ending battle. My concem is the the amount of homeless mostly drug addicts occupying the building across from American Legion. That will guarantee closer of that building due to people not wanting to rent it anymore. Also, Lodi Musical Theater currently uses the building for rehearsal and that will force them to not have a place to practice. You are trying to round up all the homeless and stick them in one plaÒe, but you MUST think of how rnany people you are affecting if you make the decision to purchase that building. Please make the right decision. We need Anrerican Legion. Get Outlook for Android MICHAEL NINO City Counc¡l Homeless building purchase. Tuesday, September I, 2020 l:L7:52 PM From: To: Subject: Date: J Pesavento City Council Homeless camp Wednesday, September 2,2020 10:49:26 AM I'm really disappointed and fi'ustlated to hear that Lodi is considering mo\/ing in the homeless to our small to\\'n!l Of course you're going to place it near the lorver income families rathel'next to u'here ¡'ou lit,e. I'm a teachel at Lau'r'ence Elernentary and I find it very unfair that my students u'ill now have to u'alk to school in fì'ont of those homeless camps. The stuff that ah'eady goes on in those parks as m¡' students walk to school, it's saddening to me, rvhat they expelience and see!! I think right next to school is the u'orst place that you can put any solt ofhonleless carrp. Of course it's not gonna be near Vineu'ood. Resse, ot'Larson, rather you're gonna thro\ ¡ it in a lou'er income neighbolhood! l Those Families Don't deserve to have that in theil backl,¿¡6 either. I really hope you reconsider u,here ),ou're deciding to place this and hou' it's going to dramaticall¡' change Lodi forever. \We may never be able to open again u'ith that many homeless people spreading Covid evet)u'here!!!Ì really hope ¡,ou reconsider where you're deciding to place this and hou' it's going to dramaticall¡, change Lodi forevet'. We may never be able to open again with that many homeless!! If ¡'o, ¿..'0. to go fot'rvat'd u'ith this you're changing the charm of out u'ine countly, city and I gualantee ¡,ou it u'ill not flourish and thrive rvhere you u,ant it to go!!! Thank you .lennifer Pesar¡ento Sent flom my iPhone From: To: Subject: Date: watbri Cilv Council Homeless camp proposal Wednesday, September 2, 2020 9:44l.17 AM Council, This is not a good location to set up the proposed homeless shelter\camp. It has homes directly across the street and is right next to grape bowl and baseball fields where children and families frequently use the facilities. This needs to be done with cooperation with the county and surrounding cities within the county to locate it in a more ideal location with more resources to fund necessary infrastructure and services. You are putting the public health and safefy at risk if you move forward with the curent proposal A NO vote for this site Thank you for consideration for our community :of Lodi Brian lo: From: Subject: Date: Katherine King Citv Counc¡l Homeless city Wednesday, September 2, 2020 10:01:51 AM Dear citl, council members. l'm a concerned citizen. I'r,e heard about the plans to build homes for the homeless at Chaplnan Field. I don't think this is a good choice fol oul cit¡'. Six.vears ago my daughter played softball at Chapman Field. Duling that time I had to keep m¡, other children close to nle as other parents had ibund needles and drug palaphernalia on the glound. I didn't like going to the games there as I u,as concemed for rny safet¡' and the safetl' of my childlen. Tvvo ¡,e¿¡r ago my son played baseball at Chapman Field. The amount of homeless people, needles and dt'ug paraphelnalia u,as u,orse! I u'ould be sule to arrive and depalt u,hen othels \ /ere so I u'asn't "alone" going to or from rn¡' r'ehicle. Our city has so feu'areas for our children to play baseball and softball alleady, u'hy ale we taking this complex au,ay frorn them? Over the past 6 1,ears u'hen nr¡' children u'ere pla¡'ing baseball and sofiball the coaches biggest concern u,as alu'a),s being able to find a place to practice. Save Chapman Field for our children! Clean up the alea and provide a nice area for families! Ovel'the past ferv months I have dliven past that alea to get to the grape festival grounds 6 days a u'eek. ì'm awate that thele are cun'ent restraining ordel's on the homeless that live around there fi'om going into the grape bou'l or the grape festir,al grounds. This is vely concelning that u'e n,ill be inviting more homeless once the¡,'re all arvare of the lovel), fi'ee place the¡, have to destroy. I personalll, have had issues rvith homeless u,alking into the street rvith no notice, listened to them ¡,elling profànities and seen the amount of garbage and messes the¡' ls¿l,s in theil u'ake. These ploblems u'ill glou,if the cit1, is built and mot'e homeless mo\/e to this area! I believe the issues u'e currentl), have u'ith the homeless in oul city is bad and isn't being addressed in a u'ay that helps or pl'otects our citizens. I believe the issues lvill get significantl¡, u,orse in that area bf inviting the homeless to live there. lt is not right to allou,the homeless to bling dou'n that entire area, and our cit¡,!! I leally fèel f'or the residents that live right around Chapman Field. their qualit¡' of life r¡,ill never be the salrre. The nen' businesses that are cun'entl)/ being built u'ill also be effected greatll'by this decision. The neu,bou'ling alle¡,being built was going to be a nerv fun place fol farnilies and children of all ages. lf there is a homeless city a couple of blocks arvay. I personally u'on't be taking my fämill,there. I imagine that man¡, 61þe¡ families feel the same \\¡ay. I heard fì'om so man¡, people that u,ere exciled about the born,ling alley and restaul'ant that are corning soonl Everyone couldn't u'ait to gol Putting a homeless city at Chapman Field u'ill change that. M), last huge concern u'ith the homeless cit¡, ¡t,¡. elementarl, school right down the street. lf'r,ou look up registered sex offenders in the area. man)' al'e marked as vagrant/ homeless. This is definitell' not something u,e u,ant to have right neal oul children! That is a huge concern fol the safety ofour children! l'm asking oul city council members to \/ote NO! No homeless city to be built at Chapman Field! No homeless city to be built in the city of Lodi! Pl'otect the integritl, of oul city! Protect the citizens! Keep our city safe! Please do not allou, a homeless city to be built in Lodi. Thank you, Katheline King Fromr Tor Subject: Date: Oloa Silva City Council Homeless City Wednesday, September 2,2020 I:20:44 PM To uhorn it mar, conceln. I rvould like 1o address the Lodi Cit1, Council boald in regards to the proposal of the "Homeless City". My husband and ì have lived right across fì'om the Lodi Glape Bowl f'or over'25 ¡'eals. Making us a feu'hundred yards f'ì'om u,here you are ploposing to build this "Cit1,"! As a homeou,rì€r'¡,6sr plan is not ok u'ith me and other residents in the alea. Or¿el the years \\/e have rvatched as plans have been implemented fbr this side of tou'n and to this day have not been completed ol enforced. I sr: The renovation of the Glape Bou'I. Aftel so man)/ ),ears that project has yet to be completed and our ),outh ha\/e been plohibited to use the facility less and less! 2nd: The city has allorved the homeless to possess r,ehicles on our streets that al'e not legall¡, licensed, har¿e no tires and can)'an abundance ofgarbage inside and out. Basically eyesores and allowed to be inhabited on the stleets! 3 I'd: I arn au'are that the homeless problems need be addressed. If a "City" needs to be built I feel it should be built in an area rvhere our children and visitors as u'ell as the citizens ofLodi can feel safe u,hile attending sporting events and simply just u,alking home fi'om school u,ithout wol'l),ing about homeless people fi'om Lodi and other areas.iust " hanging out'' or being in their "city"! ln short I am not ok u'ith this plan and I believe if the board revieu,s our concerns thel, will find that another place for this "cit¡"'u'ould make mole sense fol us the citizens of Lodi that reside near this site! I u,ould also add that none ofthese plans u'ere ever addlessed to the citizens living in the area ofthese plans. Ìt would have been considerate to have recurved n invite u,hen these plans u,ere being drau'n up. Sincerely, Olga and Joe Sih,a Sent flom my iPhone To: From: Subject: Date: Weston, Brandv PRCS Commission Meetino Comments; C¡tv Council Homeless City Wednesday, September 2,2020 9:24:38 AM lom writing in regord to the homeless cily proposol on slockion slreel. I hove lived in lhìs specific oreo over 20 yeors, I hove lived in Lodi my whole life ond hove owned my own home for the losl ó yeors in this specific oreo. I have seen lhe omount of dumpsler divers up in our drivewoys digging through our trosh ond lhrowing it on lhe ground, I hove seen on increose in breok ins ond lhefts in this oreo I hod lo instoll comeros oround my properly due lo the criminol oclivily becouse of the homeless. I hove even hod them come up lo my door ond osk me for things. I hcve cn 8-yeor-old doughler who is only ollowed to ploy in my fenced in fronl yord with my Dobermon Pincher becouse of whot I hove seen in my neighborhood. Adding lhis homeless cily neor porks ond schools where ore children ore of cre only going Io increose lhe cmount of drug use porophernolio found on lhe ground, the homeless wondering oround ond going lhrough gorboge, trosh left everywhere ond theft ond breck ins will increose l0 fold I con ossure you. This will lurn our litlle neighborhood inlo downtown stocklon, pulting lhe Lodiresidents in horm's woy who work their butls off for whol they own. I osk Ìhot you reconsider the proposol lo onother creo lhot is not close lo porks, schools or neighborhoods. We hcve our lively hoods wropped up here ond feel the city is jusl lryìng Ìo turn it Ìo trosh. This wos not lhoughl obout the poying residenls here in Lodi, ihe low-obiding residenls. Most of lhe homeless oround here ore drugged up. lwould move if I hod lhe funds lo do so, but ldon't. Pleose reconsider for lhe soke of the residents ond children. Thonk you From: Toi Subject: Datei Cheryl Ph¡llips CiW Council Homeless City Location Monday, August 31. 2020 8:37:48 PM I am TOTALLY AGAINST the Homeless City at Stockton and Lawrence Streets at Chapman Field. This will bring the wine industry's tourist destination to a complete halt, not to mention this city's citizens feeling less safe while suppor-ting small businesses, restaurants, Hutchins Street Square, movie theatre, and just walking downtown to enjoy our ambience. This cannot be passed!! Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone From: To: Subject; Date: Kelli Flesher City Council; PRCS Comm¡ss¡on Meet¡ng Comments HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS Tuesday, September 1, 2020 5:14:53 PM I am a lesident of Lockeford, hou,ever, my tax dollal's go to the Lodi Unified School district. \We also do the r,ast majority of oul shopping in Lodi. You get a more than fair share of m¡,tax dollals. And I'rn glad to support the community I greu' up in. Horvever, in the last several years, there has been a disturbing tl'end in Lodi. The same trendìseedailyinStocktonatmy.iob. Thehomeless.thoseu'hochosetousedrugsandalcohol,arebecoming mole plevalent. I do NOT lefel to people rvho ale dou'n on theil' luck. l'hel'e is a cleat'difference. And there is indeed help for those u'ho truly rvant a hand up. not a hand out. Lodi is deteriotating before our eyes. As I took my kids to school these past fs14, yeêl'S, we saw more and more vaglants passed out, doing drugs. or \ ¡orse, in public. You want Lodi to be a destination lol tourism. but you ale facilitating a culture that makes it a destination for homeless. To be clear', they are not'campers'. or displaced. They ale vandals, and thiefs. The¡, are stealing the peaceful lile that youl citizens desen e, and have u,ol'ked for'. I beg you not to encourage this destruction an¡'ntore. Please say no to the chapman homeless complex. It u,ill be more destructir,e than you can imagine. Respecfully. Kelli K Flesher Lockeford. CA To; Cc: From: Subject: alleora@emertconstruct¡on.com PRCS Commission Meet¡ng Comments; C¡tv Council John Emeft Homeless City/No Support Monday, August 31, 2020 8:38138 PMDate: To Whom It May Concern; This email is to inform the members of the Lodi City Parks Commission and the Lodi City Council that we, as residents of Lodi, do not suppoft the current plans to build a Homeless City at Chapman Field. Chapman Field provides an important venue for the city's youth sports leagues. Chapman Field is surrounded by homes, occupied by middle-class/working class families with children, Moreover, The impact of such a permanent encampment would be devastating for the Downtown economy. Our beautiful Downtown area is already suffering under the current circumstances/ and flooding the local area with vagrants, most of whom are struggling with addiction and mental illness, will not aid in the economic recovery. While we commend your efforts to address the current homeless situation, we do not support the current plans to build the Homeless City in the current proposed location. Sincerely, John R. and Allegra R. Emert From: To: Subject: Date: Robert Huddleston Citv Council Homeless Housing - Vote No Wednesday, September 2,2020 3:14:37 PM I'm writing to voice concerns over the proposed homeless housing being placed near the National Guard Armory on Washington St, I own property near Lawrence School, Obviously, you don't live there and haven't seen the things we've seen in Lawrence Park and nearby. There's a reason these people are living on the street. Many are mentally unstable and drug addicts, These are NOT the type of people you want to have as next door neighbors. But that is what you're willing to force upon us. We see used needles all over Lawrence Park. They relieve themselves out in the open, They panhandle and pester us. They are a blight on the city. Our property values will go down if you house them there, And Lawrence Elementary School is just a stone's throw away, What the hell are you thinking? My grandkids are there; and you expect us to tolerate having this kind of element living there too? Absolutely not! Clearly, you haven't thought this through. Expect a huge backlash. You should return the $1.25 million budgeted for this fiasco to the State. The State is $120 BILLION in debt (yes, that's the REAL number, in spite of what the Gov. tells you) and yet, Newsome wastes money social programs like this. He cannot secure loans from China, England, Germany or anywhere else to cover this debt. The Feds won't bail him out either. This is not about compassion as you're lead to believe. It is about following a Marxist plan to decimate the economy and destroy the middle class. This is the ideology of elitists. Are you also elitists? I hope not, We, the bourgeois of Lodi are not so easily fooled and are outraged by such actions. We don't want you enabling the bums living on the street by housing them. They will bring crime and drug trafficking to our neighborhood. This housing will become a ghetto in short order. They could become "shooting dens" if they are not destroyed by the residents. You will create more problems than this solves, and we're left holding the bag. And the children are caught in the middle. Enough is enough, goddammit! Vote NO. Robert Huddleston, 37 year Lodi resident tr Froml To: Subject: Date: David Christv Citv Council Homeless housing. Wednesday, September 2,2020 2:26:16 PM Please do not plan , propose or allow to be built anything in Lodi that ¡,ou would not have developed in your ou,n neighborhood . The more $¡e hand out to these homeless the more that will come . The Sony fact is that 90% of them have not an ounce of respect for themseh,es our community ol will raise a hand to participate in the up keep of anything provided . Please stop the fulther destluction of out town. Has the cify considered the effect on the propert¡ r,alues ofresidents in the neighborhood and considered the upcoming law suit to the City ? Sincerely, Dave Christy. 70 year Lodi Resident and the entire Christy Family From: To: Subject: Date: maria johnson Ciw Council Homeless housing Wednesday, September 2, 2020 B:13:25 AM Cit¡, Leadels. Ilave ),ou seriousl)' thought this out ??? Building a homeless sheltel'u,hele children u'ill be plesent ??? That is.iust thoughtless and careless. You are putting oul childlen in danger and at l'isk I Sent 1ì'om mv iPhone Tor Froml Subject; Date: lod istuckin@yahoo.com Citv Council Homeless location... Wednesday, September 2,2020 !2:38:46 PM To All Council members, Hope you are listening to the lalge contingenc), of Lodi community members... I n'ill share some thoughts to befole you make your decision. Man¡, 1a,6¡¿..ful memories pla¡,ing, coaching. being a spectator at the Almoly and pla¡'ing on Chapman Field. I hope m1,children, gland kids. and oul local youth get to experience and enjoy the opportunities ofthese facilities, that I had. Council, I ask each one ofyou to considet'other locations. Youl'r,ote is clucial to this area as \rye as a communit¡' are counting on ),ou to keep these fàcilities functioning in their current state. Don't let us dou'n... Keep the positive memories occuring for othels in our Lodi community... Sincerely. Michael Matlock 209-969-6009 From: To: Subject: Datei sallv skelton Citv Council Homeless Problem Tuesday, September 1,2020 t2:57:37 PM Hello All. I don't believe in giving someone something for nothing. I don't believe in enabling bad behavior. I don't believe in zero consequences for bad acts. I don't believe in ignoling all the ridiculous things that the homeless do and t¡'ing to.iustify those ridiculous things r.l'ith the statement that "our hands are tied." I believe in hostile architectule to rid areas ofthe bums and junkies. I believe in making Lodi a ver¡'homeless-unfriendly place to be. Don't feed them, give them clothes. Iet them sleep u'herever the flick they u'ant. They might be homeless but they're also jobless. carless, self-respectless, common senseless. Do you reall)' think a home (a tiny home) or a campground u'ill turn these junkies (for the most patl) into contributing members of this comnrunity? They're choosing to live on the stleets and this cit¡, makes it quite easy to do. Nol'mal people are sick of it. Wh¡' don't you rnake Lodi stand out r¡'ith some revolutionary ideas (not tin¡, homes!) to leally get rid of this ploblem? FI'om u'hat I see out there, most (if not all) are on drugs. As a member of Take Back Lodi, I'r,e seen all the needles in theil camps. not to mention the mountains of lood and stolen items. And ),et there you sit, allowing and now encoulaging it to happen. I'm also vel) against housing them neat'the Legion Buildirrg. Good grief. unbelier,able. Sally Skelton l4 S. Sunset Dr From: lo: Subject: Date: Nancv Hennefer Citv Counc¡l Homeless Proposal Monday, August 24, 2020 1:09:44 PM Deor Lodi City Council, T reolize you hove probobly been inundoted w¡th letters, ema¡ls, ond phone colls regording The proposed Homeless Encompment on the existing boll f ields ond buildings of Lodi. Besides the most common comploints you hove beenpresented, I'd like to focus on the impoct of losing the Softboll Complex,Zupo Field ond Armory Pork would hove on ouî cit¡zens, port¡culorly our youth. Our Porks ond Recreotíon Deportment hqs shored specif ic doto with you, but os o rem¡nder,I wos given this informotion from Colhi De6root: "... we serve 250,000+ adult and youth sports participants and spectators annually at this NE Lodi Sports Complex comprised of Chapman Field, Zupo Field, the êrape Bowl and the Softball Complex." Now imogine oll of the youth ond odults who will no longer hove occess to ony of lhis (with the exception of the Grope Bowl). Thís olso impocts the dollors generoted to locol business from these some peoplewho wont To purchose f ood or drink bef ore, during or after their events, o? stoy of hotels for multi-day events ond Tournoments. Speoking of the Grape Bowl, hoving a Homeless encompment so close moy couse orgonizotions to go elsewhere,both sporting events, ond things like the Morching Bond Foll Clossic. Furthermoîe,I don't think this would moke much of o positive impress¡on on the increqsing number of visitors who ottend the multitude of octivilies held on the Grope Festivol grounds. Bul bock to the biggest drowbock: the lose of opportunities for youlh ond odults to engoge in physicol octivity! The premier Notionol orgonizotion on Sport ond Physicol Activity (SHAPE Americo) hos listed The following researched bosed benef tts of regulor phys icol oct ivity: o reduces The risk for overweight, diobetes ond other chronic diseoses o ossists in improved academic perf ormonce. helps children f eel belter obout themselves reduces the risk for depression ond the eff ects of stress. helps children prepare to be productive, heolthy members of society ond. improves overall quality of lif e. Every time we eliminale progroms, focilities ond opportunities for our populotion to be physicolly octive, we are guilty of contributing to the overoll heolth issues so prevolent todoy. Those aff ected include not only odults, but our teens ond youth, os our school districls Physicol Educotion closses connot mee'f 'fhe recomrnended time thot should be olloTted to doily physicol octivity including school oThletic progroms which do not occommodote oll. Add in the limiTed physicol octivity choices outside the school doy which compounds the problem (olthough our new Pickleboll Courts ot Legion pork hove been o HUGE success for both young ond old! iE ). While it's true thot there will be olternotive focilities f or the sport octivities (DeBendetti Pork for one),the current boll porks ond buildings are well used (pre CoVid, thot is) not to mention lhot they are historic institutions in our town. Think of the number of groups thoT use the Armory, Eagles Lodge, et.ol. f hope you will keep the tox-poying citizens of Lodi os the top priority. Yes,fhe Homeless siïuotion is systemic ond overwhelming ond should be confronted. But using this beoutiful section of Lodi os the soluTion is short sided and irresponsible. Respectfully, Noncy Hennef er 850 W. Turner Rd Lodi, CA From To: Subject: Datei Gretchen Dobler CiW Council Homeless shelter by the Eagles Hall and Legion Building Sunday, Auqust 30,2020 11:12:32 AIV I am totally aga¡nst putting a Homeless Shelter at the Armory and the softball field beside it. The children need a safe place to play balì. The homeless are already making a mess of the park beside the Legion building. Please do not approve of this Shelter Gretchen Dobler To: From:Julie Mcchie CiW Council Homeless shelter downtown Wednesday, September 2, 2020 9:05:28 AM Subject; Date: I oppose the current location ofintel'est dou'ntou'n. lt rvould undo the hald rvork that has been done to re\,italize dou'ntou,n. and u,ould hindel the businesses that are already struggling. Sent flom my iPhone From: lo: Subject: Date: Kathleen Whisler C¡tv Counc¡l Homeless shelter Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:36:11 PM Dear council members, I have just learned of the cit¡,'s proposal to pulchase the building at the col'nel'of Lockef'ord and Washington Streets u'ith the intent to tum it into a homeless shelter. I lecognize that homelessness is a serious ploblenr in our' comrrunit¡,, but this cannot be the solution. We cannot plan to house a concentration of homeless people so close to the baseball fields and football stadium u'here ouL community's children and families corre to enjoy high school sporls. Putting a homeless shelter there puts oul'children and families in danger. While nrany homeless are halmless, mental illness and substance abuse at'e rampant among this segment of our community. We must keep out'community, especially our children, safe. .lust days ago, my husband had an encounter u,ith a homeless man a feu,¡'at'ds a'n'ay fiom American Legion lìall. Luckil1,, the man backed au'a)'. Had this been me. ol a teenager, the outcome nta¡' have been tlagically diffèrent. Legion is one of the best and most popular places for lalge events and gatherings in oul'communil¡'. A homeless shelter across the street u'ill rnake my husband's incident a normal occunence, and ruin this venue for every gl'oup and family in the cornmunity. Please, for the safety of oul community. find a differcnt location for a homeless shelter. This building is not the light place. Thank you for youl considelation Kathleen l-lambdck Whisler Concerned citizen From: To: Subject: Datei Billie Schmierer City Council homeless situation Wednesday. September 2,2020 t2:07:Q3 PM Dear Council I strongly urge you if you must build tiny houses or any housing for the homeless that you do not do it at the Armory or Chapman Field. Do not take this away from the many people that use those baseball fields. Also, people should not have to walk around or see these people that hang out at the ball fields when they go to functions at the Lodi Grape Bowl or the Grape Festival Grounds. Also, there are homes in this area and Lawrence School. ïhe bowling alley will also not be far from that area. This would be horrible for the kids. I am sick and tired of seeing these individuals and what they are doing to our town lf you must use your Grant, please do so on the other side of the freeway. There is plenty of land to choose from. My desire is that you do nothing for them as there are already services provided to them and the numbers will only increase if you give them more free handouts. Billie and Jimmy Schmierer 2300 West Lodi Avenue Lodi, CA 95242 From: To: Subject: Dôtel J¡m Casey C¡ty Counc¡l Homeless tiny homes Saturday, August 29. 2020 3:50:59 PM It is my undel'standing that the tiny homes grant must be spent by a deadline, or Lodi loses the funds. lf this is the case, LET IT GO. You have not consideled the long term maintenance of these homes, the liability of city ownership.nor administration of the homes themselves. These costs u'ill be evel lasting long after your grant money is spent. Let Stockton have the funds. Jim Casey 812 Vilginia ave Sent from mv iPad From! To: Subject: Datel Earline Lund Ciw Council Homeless Tuesday, September 1, 2020 11:53:53 AM Since homeless is a bigger problem that just Lodi could rve consider tackling it a s a county problem. I was just out at the Harney lane migrant camp. This works well as a centt'al area (out of town) for migrants and has facilities. There is room to put small houses and there is more land around it to gro'n'. Please consider Earline Lund lo: From: Subject: Date: Maria Citv Counc¡l; Steve Schwabauer Homeless vote Wednesday, September 2,2020 B:L6:24 AM Good morning: As a voter and home owner in Lodi I'm asking for a NO vote on the proposed Homeless complex. So what we if we loose the grant money. That isn't the point. People live here because we love the city and it is a great place to raise kids. Mr. Schwaber is mistaken on youth spoÉs. Look at Upward they have to turn kids away due to high demand. Look at travel sports be it for baseball or soccer it is a growing endeavor. Lodi has those fields and could generate money if they rented them out to companies that run travel tournaments. It would bring rnoney to the city and those folks would spent money here on food, gas, etc. The Park and Rec department has been a mess for years and honestly we should hire a private company to take it over. There are so many missed oppoftunities to grow Park and Rec in Lodi. Additionally Park and Rec shouldn't be allowed to let their pals use the locked baseball fields which happens now. As a taxpayer who funds those fields everyone should have access not just the elite. The solution to the Homeless should not come at the expense of the families of Lodi. We don't want this program. VOTE NO! ! Thank you, Maria England From: lo3 Subjectl Date: laurie sharpe Citv Council Comments Ignorance Thursday, August 27, 2020 5:48:09 PM City Council, Unbelievable!!! Even after posting our disbeliefthat you u'ould put homeless headquarters by a school. park. and pla¡,ground. Even after voicing our opinion about'nhele a shelter. toilets, hand u'ashing plus paid security u'ould be more rvell received. You did it anl,rvay!!!! All this sho'rvs us is that You could care about oul voices, oul opinions, oul'to\À'n or our kids. Wel1...... ok then, you tell us rvhat is important to ¡,ou? Tell us horv impoftant your careel', ¡,oul families r¡,elfare and youl businesses ale. List each one so u,e can apply fol grants to help the less unfortunate and send them ¡'our ra,a¡,! You feel like ¡,sÌr e been attacked. Right? Well. that's horv u,e feel! Not prett¡, is it.? I cannot believe you spent (our') monel,putting ports potties and hand u'ashing stations behind gated. fenced areas l/lTH a paid security guard. Oh m¡,!!!!! And to top it offl Next to a public restl'oom u,hele there is dlug sales and sex for sale all day, ever1, day. Ç I can't make any reasoning for this! Can you? If ¡,6, .un please explain. Man¡,. man), concerrìs citizens u'ant to hear it! Sincelely, Laurie Sharpe Fromi To: Subject: Date: Precilla Citv Council Housing for the Homeless Tuesday, September I, 2020 5:44:2I PM This is Non-Sense... the buildings here in our city have been here long before the 50's and hold meaning to the people of the City of Lodi... The focus should be helping people help themselves... oh what am ì talking about this has been forgotten... I believe in helping people.... there is a difference. I don't have to compensate for ones behavior or choices... this is my GOD HIVEN RIGHT! As a CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES! Sent from my iPhone Fromi To: Subject: Date: Maritza Mendez Citv Council Impact on Veterans regarding sale of building across from The American Legion Memorial Building Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:56:40 PM Deal council members, We were disheartened to hear that the plan is to purchase the building across from The American Legion Memolial Building to house the homeless. We realize the need to provide adequate tesources including sheltel fol the homeless of u'hich we are strong suppolters. Hou,ever, the Vetet'ans have been established in their building foL many years and have provided many rvondelful communit¡' events and fundraisers. lf the homeless will be sheltered across flor¡ them. then the1, u,ill no longer be able to provide these services not to nrention the support it provides theil otganization through their fundlaising events. The Veterans fought for our country and have been established at this histolical site for many years and the impact would have a negative effect since many will be hesitant to attend events acloss from the homeless shelter. We would appreciate ),ou consideling housing the homeless at la ocation u'here the impact rvould be minimal to businesses. Thank you for 1,our consideration, Maritza Mendez Lessie Bond Sent from my iPad To: From: Subject: Date: Michael Bennett CiW Council Comments Item C-12 Homeless Shelter Wednesday, September 2, 2020 2:32:22 PM Michael Bennett, 523 Olive Court Lodi, CA As a resident and a Past Commander of Post 22 Lodi, American Legion I along with otherveterans and members of Post 22,1 musT strongly object to the conversion of Chapman Field and Armory to a homeless shelter. Based on the City Manager's report it seems to be a poor analysis of options and is guided, in part, by misinformation and erroneous assumptions. That neighborhood should no longer be abused by homeless people. I is a high value venue for numerous cultural and sporting events. The American Legion, Lodi Grape Festival, Boys and Girls Sports, numerous soccer tournaments, Tony Zupo Field Baseball and Basket Ball and other sporting events in the Armory contribute to the physical, cultural and economic health of Lodi. I strongly suggest that other sites, not in the heart of our community, be considered. Thank you for your kind consideration. Michael W. Bennett Sent from Mail for Windows 1"0 From: To: Subjech Date: Mark Armstrono Citv Council Letter for public comment Wednesday, September 2,2020 10:'44:47 AM Please rnclude this for public comment at the City Council meeting tonight. Dear Councilmembers, Soon you will hear about a plan to put a low barrier (come & go) shelterfor homeless in the Armory/Chapman Field area of Lodi. The reasons you will hear that this is a great place is that the Armory is suitable for the shelter, Chapman Field is dilapidated and underused, the homeowners in that area won't care because it's subsidized housing, and that this shelter and homeless campground will solve the homeless problem in Lodi. ln actuality, the following are reasons why it is NOT the place for it: 1. The Armory ìs no longer on the State list of disposable property. lt would have to be purchased and would require major work to turn it into a shelter. 2. Chapman Field is not in disrepair and was not underutilized. Both statements are false; it is a great field and prior to COVID-19 it was used all the time. 3. The homeowners will carel They don't want homeless garbage in their front yard any more than you do. 4. This low barrier shelter will not help our homeless problem it will have the opposite effect. Once the word is out the homeless will come from far and wide for free clothes, free food, free shelter, medical care and more. As the founder of Take Back Lodi I have been in the trenches (literally) doing homeless camp cleanups. Point in time counts, l've helped homeless get help through the community Iiaison officer. I have had a close up view of what these people can do. The shelter will be magnet for crime, drugs, filth, broken down vehicles, and a total destruction of the surrounding businesses and sports fields; believe me, l've seen it. As the Parks and Rec Commission your responsibility is to promote sports and activities not take them away. The Armory was home to basketball and other sports and Chapman Field was always used. Just imagine going to game at Zupo Field, a dance at the American Legion Hall, an event at the Lodi Grape Festival grounds, a fundraiser at the Eagles Lodge, a game at The Grape Bowl with this shelter right in the middle of allof that. No one willfeel safe and rightfully so. Personally I have watched the homeless destroy Lawrence Park and the area around it. You won't decrease the amount of people in the Park, it will only get worse. Please do not say yes to this. If you do you might as well thrown it the towel on The Grape Bowl, other softball fields, Zupo Field and not to mention the other businesses around it. They will go down the toilet with Chapman Field. Put it to the people - you will hear the right answer Thank you, Mark A. Armstrong Lodi Grape Festival General Manager Take Back Lodi Founder From: To: Subject: Date: Brandy Haupt Citv Council; JoAnne Mounce; Mark Chandler; Douo Kuehne; Alan Nakan¡shi letter regarding proposed homeless shelter Tuesday, September 1,2020 L7:56:42 AM Dear Commissioners, I am writing ¡n strong opposition to the low barrier homeless shelter that is proposed for the Armory and Chapman Field. I spend a lot of time in this area for both work and personal reasons. Over the years I have been to many games atZupo Field, Chapman Field and The Grape Bowl, I know many groups and non-profit organizations that have used the American Legion Hall, the Lodi Eagles Lodge and the Lodi Grape Festival as a place to celebrate their wedding, to raise money for their group (ironically these venues are home to many fundraisers for youth sports) and to gather as a community to celebrate Lodi. I see kids walking to Lawrence School every day, sometimes alone or with other young children but without an adult. l've seen service men and women gather at the Lodi Armory to prepare for training or other activities - these are men and women who have committed their lives to keeping us safe. This is absolutely not the place to build a homeless shelter. Lawrence School is located a block away from where this proposed homeless shelter will be and every day elementary school children will have to walk by and witness the filth, drugs, and be exposed to behaviors that children should not have to see. This says nothing to the fact that there are homes directly across the street. Through COVID-19 event venues have been shut down across the country. When it comes time for events to begin again how likely is it that a youth sports team is going to rent the American Legion Hall for a fundraiser dinner when there is a homeless shelter across the street? And that is only one venue! The Lodi Eagles Lodge, the American Legion Hall and the Lodi Grape Festival grounds will all suffer greatly because it will be impossible to attract people to this part of town. Since March kids have been told they had to stay home, sports have been cancelled, vacation has been cancelled, SCHOOL has been cancelled. There will be a time when sports can start up again. Why would you want to limit the available programs for these kids that so badly need an outlet? By deactivating Chapman Field you have one less facility to use, and let's be honest we aren't going to attract anyone else to facilities anywhere in the vicinity if there is a homeless shelter there. I drive past Lawrence Park multiple times a day, and every day it gets a little worse. The people in the Park aren't homeless - they are LIVING in Lawrence Park and a low barrier homeless shelter will not encourage them to move. They have mounds of trash, they use the sprinklers to shower and clean their private parts (l've seen it), they are blatantly doing drugs (l've seen it) and I have a strong suspicion there is solicitation and drug sales going on all day long. DAILY there are arguments laced with profanity and people screaming at each other, and cars are always parked along Calaveras Street with contents spilled out onto the sidewalk and road. The shelter will not only encourage homeless people to flock to Lodi, but we will see more people in Lawrence Park. That Park is downright dangerous. At my place of business we are constantly cleaning up human waste (l've seen it), garbage (l've seen it) and chasing off people trying to dig in our trash (l've chased them off). Many times I have been fearful of repercussion because I asked them to leave when they weren't supposed to be there in the first place. I am there every day; they know what car I drive, they know my schedule - how am I supposed to feel safe when I leave my office? THIS will get vastly worse if there is a homeless shelter built here. For 18 years on any given day I could walk out the back door of my office and hear the announcer at one of the fields and people cheering in the stands - it ALWAYS makes me smile. This is how it should be. lf you choose to move fonryard with this project it is certain to destroy the youth sports programs and neighborhoods around it. I implore you to say no to this terrible proposal. Thank you, Brandy Haupt Joe Valente 13683 N. Highway 88 Lodi, CA 95240 icvalente@softcom.net Lodi City Council 221W Pine Street Lodi, CA 95240 Submitted via email: citycou nciltOlodi.oov August 25,2020 Dear Council Members, As a director of the Lodi Grape Festival, I strongly oppose the usage of the Lodi Armory and Chapman Field to create a low barrier homeless center and shelter. I served several years as a director and also president of the San Joaquin County Fair Board in Stockton. As we conducted survey after survey, the fair received positive feedback as a venue for affordable entertainment, likeable exhibits, carnival, and food. On the negative side, survey respondents always came back with the image of poor public safety. Statistics showed that crime was not an issue but there was a predetermined image associated with the location of the fairgrounds. My concern is that the image of homeless around the Lodi Grape Festival grounds willeasily lead to the image issues that the San Joaquin County Fair has. This image will become a financial burden on the Festival itself and will also impact the daily rentals. The public will not want to attend meetings or events held at the festival grounds. As you may be aware, fairs throughout the state are facing difficult times. We should not be putting more burden on our festival grounds by having a homeless shelter next door. We want the public to want to come to our events- not stay away because they are uncomfortable with the neighborhood. The San Joaquin County Fair is now in the process of closing its doors. I hope that you understand your decisions can impact the financial future and image of the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds for years into the future. Sincerely, al"-¿"' Joe Valente Lodi Grape Festival Director From: Date: To¡ Skylar Shafer City Counc¡l Tuesday, September 1, 2020 6:50:26 AM I am absolutely against a homeless city being placed in the heart of Lodi CA You are placing it in an al'ea that will bling dou'n the value of existing homes, dangel to those residents and weariness ofattendees to the Grape Bowl. You are encoulaging panhandling ofattendees. Homelessness should not be encouraged by building a city fol them. They need rehabilitation. Too man¡, hard rvorking citizens ale being challenged by freeloaders for space. Sk¡,lar Shafer To: Frcm: Subject: Datel ImpoÊance: ocullen(ômeehleis.com Cjtv çounçil NO Homeless C¡ty or Tny Homes at Chapman Field! Wednesday, September 2,2020 12:47:40 PM High Please do NOT approve any homeless camps/c¡ties or any 'tiny houses' at Chapman Field, or anywhere near Lawrence Park. This would not be a solution to anything!!l Please call me to discuss. Thank you, Pete Cullen 423-9s66 From: to: Subject: Date: Monica Fritz Alan Nakanishi; Mark Chandler; Doug Kuehne; City Council Comments; JoAnne Mounce; Steve Schwabauer; Andrew Keys; PRCS Commiss¡on Meet¡ng Comments Opposit¡on to Homeless Housing at Chapman Tuesday, September 1, 2020 9:37:06 PM Dear City Council, I am adamantly opposed to using our sports facilities to house homeless. While our children have been unable to resume sports and activities, at some point they will be, and our facilities need to be preserved for their usel Our city lacks parks and playing fields yet in the last 6 months the homeless have already taken over the few nice parks we have left. Now a push from Mr. Schwabauer to use Chapman Field for a tiny house project? I think that some leaders in this community forgot that they work for the tax paying citizens of this town and decisions like this should have the input and approval of the taxpayers. Yet the night before the city council meeting, I'm learning of this ridiculous proposal is moving forward. We voiced our opinions on this matterweeks ago and all members of the board seemed to agreethat Chapman was not a good place for a homeless camp. Then last week, again without public knowledge, port-a-potties, wash stations and a securityguard were placed at Chapman atthe cost of 563,000. Leave our sports fields alone. Protect them, preserve them and work on getting our children back on them playing sportsl Spend your time helping our businesses that are struggling and cleaning up our community, not housing homeless next to fields that are so important to our youth l Sincerely, Monica Fritz 2029 Edgewood Drive, Lodi (209)s98-8037 Froml To; Subject: Date: Deanne Barth Citv Council Please do NOT buy the build¡ng across from American Legion Tuesday, September 1,2020 l:29:44 PM Dear City Council Members I have lived in Lodi for my entire life. I have built a family here, shopped here, bought homes here and have never wanted to leave our town. But the situation you have allowed to happen with the homeless has gotten out of hand. It is no longer safe in the middle of town for my daughter to take the trash out behind her place of work. Mind you, this is in the middle of town, where it's always been considered safe. I often feel unsafe leaving Safeway in broad daylight. What is happening to our town? You have allowed this to get to the point it is today and now you want to do more damage by buying this building to house the homeless? Do you know what will happen to that entire area of Lodi? To the American Legion building? To nearby businesses? And how about the residents that live nearby? It's obvious this isn't happening near your home or business Throwing money at this problem won't solve it. Deanne Barth From: To: Date: Subject: Margaret Foley C¡ty Council Opposition to Homeless S¡te Monday, August 31, 2020 8:41:56 PM I write to express my opposition to the planned homeless area at Stockton and Lawrence Streets and at Chapman Field and at the adjacent armory. While the homeless situation in Lodi has spiraled out of control, this is not an appropriate location at which to offer help and assistance. Chapman Field and the softball complex are not under-utilized as some city offrcials claim. This area of Lodi is a neighborhood, with single-family homes across the street, a football stadium across another street, and an elementary school within walking distance. Find another location, or, better yet, not at all. Return the grant money. Listen to the citizens in Lodi! Margaret Foley 605 W. Locust Street Lodi From: Subject: To: Date; Alex Bolanos C¡tv Council Please Reconsider The Purchase Tonight Tuesday, September I,2020 2:LI:45 PM To whom it should concern, I am a citizen of Lodi, a member of Lodi Musical Theater, and a friend to the Veterans of post 22.I have been infonned that there will be a meeting today to discuss the purchase of the Army National Guard Recruiting office to transform it into a residence for the homeless. This building is across the street from The American Legion Memorial Building which has been the home of our Lodi Veterans of post 22 for as long as I can remember. If the building is purchased, then the Veterans u,ill no longer be able to rent the building for their dinners, parties, and events; dramatically decreasing their funds and forcing them to close The American Legion. I'm not one to go against helping the homeless, but when it comes to the sacrifice of our Veterans; that is where I draw my concern. The local Veterans of Lodi who have valiantly worked and fought for our country have already sacrificed enough. We need to be focused on giving back to those people, not taking away from them. There are plenty of abandoned places in Lodi that could house the homeless, without forcing the Veterans out of their home. I have had the pleasure of being aparl of Lodi Musical Theater for the past year. A cornpany that not only produces the most amazing perfonnances, but also uses the funds to help out the Veterans of post 22 and The American Legion. It makes theater worth way more to me knowing thatit helps the local Veterans of Lodi. Not only would the Veterans lose their home, but LMT would lose their greater purpose. If The American Legion closes LMT could always find another place, they have in the past. However, the joy of rnaking a difference for the Veterans will be lost, and the greater purpose of our perfonnances would be diminished. I urge the council to please consider a different location for a homeless residence. Many things will get worse more than they will be better. I understand that the council thinks purchasing the building would be the right thing, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Please don't eradicate the livelihood of the Veterans, my director, and me. There must be another way. Sincerely, Alex Bolanos From: To: Subject: Date: Dorthv Thompson Ciw Council Purchase of a local bldg Tuesday, September 1, 2020 9:56:07 PIV Please. please. please do no1 purchase the building across the Anrelican l-egicln building f-ol evenlualll'housing the honlelcss! ! Thele ale bettel places than this 1-or housing the homeless! There are kìds that use thal area liom Lan'r'ence Elenrentar'¡,... PLEASE reconsider this decision ! ! ! ! ! Sent liom mv iPhone To: Cityofuodi_CityManager <CityManager@lodi.gov<mailto:CitvManager@lodi.gov>> Sub.fect: chapman field As a local who has gro\À/n up here and am now rcising 2 children here. I am admiuedly opposed to Chapman field being used as a homeless shelter in our town. I have attended several meetings at the city in regards to option for us to provide enough beds for the homeless population in Lodi. sevetal sites had been discussed , like the site by smart and final or other location fufther dotvn in the industrial area on Lodi ave. never \ /as there discussion about taking away from the already sparse spol'ts Lesource u,e ha\,e in this cify. both my children play baseball or softball and Chapman is utilized all season long every day. I also don't think this location is good for our dorvn town area eithel please listen to the people! so many of us are speaking up!! the tiny houses really doesn't solt,e even a dent into the issues of homeless in our community to take a\^/ay our' youth! sincerely, Alon Duda concerned parent and citizen Aron Duda Area Director/ California Mentor 2291 W March Ln # 8102 Stockton Ca 707 834 5ss2 ----Original Message----- From : Marsha <marsha@lodiproperties.net> Sent: Tuesday, September 1,2020 I:13 PM To: City Council <CityCouncil@lodi.gov> Subject: Armory building As a person who was born and raised in Lodi I am very upset with the plans for the homeless in our town. I attend both sporting events and other venues in the immediate area that will be devastated if this goes through. Please do not let this happen to our town! Thank you for your attention and consideration to this subject' Marsha Lerza Yost Sent from my iPhone From: Tasso/Gertie <akn gkkand ris(ôgmai l.com> Sent: Monday, August 3L,2020 3:18 PM To: J an ice Magd ich <jm¡gdjeh@l-odi,€ov> Subject: Proposed homeless location in Lodi Dear Lodi City Attorney Ms. Magdich Recently there was news that the area around the Lodi Armory and Chapman Field was being looked at to create a low barrier homeless center and shelter. As a director of the Lodi Grape Festival lstrongly oppose this plan. ln that area there are six event centers: the softball complex, Zupo Field, the Grape Bowl, the American Legion Hall, the Eagles Lodge and the Lodi Grape Festival grounds. A facility of th¡s kind will indubitably increase the homeless population in Lodi and in the proposed area. Build it and they will come! There is no way people would want to rent the above facilities with a homeless encampment at their front door. lt is hard enough to rent our facilities now with the terrible homeless situation in and around Lawrence Park. On a daily basis the Lodi Grape Festival has to deal with damage, garbage and filth created by the homeless that are allowed to live unlawfully in Lawrence Park. Hopefully the City Council and staff of the City of Lodi can go back to the drawing board and come up with a different location that won't be as negatively impact to one of the busiest parts of Lodi. Kind Regards, Anastassios Kandris, Member Legion Posl22 2093276251. From: To: Subject: Date: Amanda Oliver City Council Re: HEAP - Tiny Home project Tuesday, September 1,2020 11:32:01 PM Dear Mayor of Lodi and Lodi City Council Members, My name is Amanda Oliver. I moved to the Lodi community inI9B7. I have a big concern and I am opposed to having the HEAP Project also known as the Tiny Homes project built where Chapman Field is located. I'm also concerned with the lack of transparency from the City of Lodi with regards to this project to the public. I have many years of fond memories playing girls fast pitch softball and Co- ed softball at Chapman Field. I have many great memories watching my four children learn & play baseball at Chapman Field. I have watched many of my friends play co-ed softball tournaments at Chapman field, I've met many friends while playing softball at Chapman Field that I still keep in touch with at the present moment, I was listening to the Parks Commission zoom meeting last night and they too agreed about the lack of transparency of the project to the public. Think of the many children who will be walking past these tiny homes two times a day by themselves on their way to Lawrence School. Think of the many students attending or playing baseball atZupo Field. Think of the many children watching or playing football or soccer games at the Grape Bowl which is on the same block. What about the many people who attend events at the Grape Festival Grounds? Would you like your children or grandchildren walking alone past these encampments where there are drug addicts or people with mental issues are housed? What about the many people who live across the street who worked so hard to purchase their homes to now have the values of their property lowered due to the homeless camp across the street? Most often there's not even enough places where our children can practice or play softball or baseball, now the city council is willing to tear down the field for the homeless encampment? I don't want to sound insensitive to the homeless, but giving them handouts or free housing isn't going to solve the homeless issues. Why not teach them to fish instead of giving them fish? I understand there's a need for housing for some people who are truly deserving to get their lives back on track, but we need to find another solution so that we can keep Lodi, Livable Lovable Lodi. We have been called 'Little Napa" and Wine Country Destination". That will surely change fast and I surely don't want to see homeless people defecating on the sidewalks or alley ways or having sex in public while I'm visiting the downtown area with my young children. Many small businesses are already having financial difficulties due to lack of business or closure, how will Lodi attract more new businesses or more tourism to Lodi with the Tiny housing project just two blocks away? Building the Tiny Homes for the homeless, will not fix our problems with our homeless situation in our town. Yes, we need a solution but not to the expense of our town, We already have enough issues with the homeless disturbing the peace, loitering, vandalizing, stealing from our neighborhoods and businesses. Why are we going to build these tiny homes where there will be no rules, no rent, no accountability to attract more homeless people to come to Lodi. Let's find a different solution that will keep our town clean, safe and a place where our next generation will want to stay and live with their new generation. Thank you and God Bless, Amanda Oliver From: Tor Subject: Date: Sara Pohlman lMorada Middle) City Council residence across from Amer¡can Legion hall Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:55:33 PM The building across from the Arnerican Legion Hall is not an applopriate location for a residence for homeless people. The businesses in that area aheady struggle u'ith the number of homeless and itinerant people rvho loiter in the alea, making it so that feu'people want to visit businesses in that neighbolhood. This decision u'ill cause the American Legion to be unable to rent out their building. as no one rvill u,ant to host fundraisers. u,eddings. concelts or other events in a location that is so close to a halfiva¡, house type residence. It's also near the softball complex and Grape Bora,l, r¡'hich attracts many Lodi teenagel's and families. I don't think parents u'ill feel sale dlopping their kids off for an evening practice or game a block a\\,a), fi'om a halfil,ay house. I agree that there should be a residence for homeless people. but not in an area that Lodians are u,olking hard to levitalize. This decision rvould be an insult to the veterans rvho have rvorked hard, served their country. and helped the community. They desen,e their safe building and community. Sara Pohlman From: To: Subjectr Date: Kr¡s Chr¡stv C¡ty Council save our fields Wednesday, September 2,2020 Il:.23:.Ll AM Good morning, I arn completely against removing our baseball fields and the armory to place a homeless city there. My kids have played and still play sporls through the city of Lodi. Placing a homeless camp in the middle of town is not solving the problern. It will only exacerbate the problern. Why don't you ask the constituents of Lodi how to best resolve the homeless problem. Concerned cifizen, Kris Christy Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android September 2,2020 Dear City Counsel members, Recently there was news that the area around the Lodi Armory and Chapman Field was being looked at to create a low barrier homeless center and shelter. As a director of the Lodi Grape Festival I strongly oppose this plan. ln that area there are six event centers: the softball complex, Zupo Field, the Grape Bowl, the Amer¡can Legion Hall, the Eagles Lodge and the Lodi Grape Festival grounds. A facilíty of this kind will undoubtably increase the homeless population in Lodi and in the proposed area. Build it and they will comel There is no way people would want to rent the above facilities with a homeless encampment at their front door" lt is hard enough to rent our facilities now with the terrible homeless situation in and around Lawrence Park. On a daily basis, the Lodi Grape Festival must deal with damage, garbage and filth created by the homeless that are allowed to live unlawfully in Lawrence Park. Hopefully, the City Council and staff of the City of Lodi can go back to the drawing board and come up with a different location that will not be as negâtively impactful to one of the busiest parts of Lodi. Sincerely, ¿/--L.-*' 7t'¿ **¿ø'-' Adeline Muller To: From: Subject¡ Date buzzvd Citv Council The homeless plan Wednesday, September 2,2020 9:38:4\ AM I am writing regarding the homeless camp your planning on putting in at champman field. How can this be considered as there is a elementary school really close by and now you are going to expose young children to the antics that homeless people do. They shut up and drink and sometimes expose themselves in public. I know for a fact santa cruz County tried this and it failed the homeless people destroyed the camp and wouldnt use the bathrooms and dispose of trash where it was suppose to go. When they finally removed them it was a toxic waste land. Please reconsider the location of this camp as it is not in a good location especially with a school being so close and be considerty for the neighborhood. Would you allow this camp to be built in your neighborhood? lf this camp is to open you are now opening up outside homeless coming into our community. The need for the homeless is being reformed and reentered into society. They don't need a camp to enforce what they have already gotten wrong. We need to help them.out by let them reenter society an be productive, all the camp will do it allow them to remain the way they are stuck for now as have no where else to go A camp isn't going to help that. Sincerely, A very concerned citizen Cheryl Deckert Ps I have seen what can happen if you are to do this kind of camp and it will destroy this community. Sent flom m¡' Verizon, Sarnsung Calaxv snrafiplrone To: Date: From:Anoee Wanosoard Citv Council Supporting people who are Homeless Tuesday, September 1, 2020 6:05:12 PM Subject: Thank you for considering how we can best help people who are Homeless within Lodi. I support the effbrt and am looking forward to creating a plan that works the best for those involved. I arn writing to urge you not to locate the shelter across the street from the American Legion Veterans building. This building is an important paft of fundraising in this city, and it benefits veterans. The location is already in a struggling paft of town and I can't irnagine why it would be a good idea to build a shelter here. I envision it in a different location, maybe closer to a thriving business district, like the Walmart or Target area? Please consider a different location for the shelter that will benefit both homeless people in Lodi and also the veterans. Thank you very much, Angela Wangsgard Date: From: To: Subject: I am most definitely opposed to using the armory building to house the homeless. I am a veteran and a resident of this community since 1965.Lam a life member of the American Legion. The Legion does everything in their power to care for our veterans. They use the parking lot adjacent to the legion building for parking during their annual crab feed and other events that they use to make money for our veterans. Are you going to place security around the armory building and the American Legion building? Is this parking area going to become a "problem". Will you deny parking to the guests and the members of the American Legion who have used the parking lot for their social events, weddings, etc.? Is there going to be loss of life, injury and damage to property and vehicles? Are you prepared to take responsibility for that? Providing lodging across the street from the American Legion building is not the answer. If you must spend our tax dollars on permanent residence for these people, do it somewhere else. I also was a board member for the Lodi Grape Festival for many years. I know you have spoken with Mark Armstrong about the homeless problem. The problem is getting worse and as a city Council your answer should not be providing them housing, you should be thinking of the citizens and And not making this area "a good place to go". They're back under the Hiway 99 Bridge using the river as their personal toilet and garbage everywhere. Some of these people will never move. V/hat are you going to do about that? I know Caltrans is responsible but how about a bigger push from the city of Lodi. Spend some time there. Not trying to renovate the armory into another cesspool The Blue Line matters. Spend your money and Mine on the Lodi police Department Start thinking about who's paying the taxes and what out priorities are, before you spend our money please. Thank you Garland Wright 1201 Rivergate Dr, Lodi, CA95240 209-327-0420 Gar Wrioht C¡tv Council The Lodi Armory as a homeless shelter Tuesday, September 1, 2020 10:20:33 AM Gar Wright 209.327 .0420 From: To: Subject: Dat€i Nicole Howton City Council The Homeless Problem Tuesday, September 1, 2020 1:31:36 PM Dear City Council of Lodi, While u'e as residents o1'Lodi undelstand the enormity of the homeless ploblem in our community. rn'e are also \/ery protective of our businesses. Yes. it u'ould be the compassionate thing to do to give the homeless a place of safety to l'est. But it is dangelous for businesses and for the safetl, ofoul citizens to put a homeless shelter near a l'esidential area. the fail grounds and operating businesses. The building acl'oss the street fì'om the American Legion Memorial Building should absolutely not be a place of lespite fof the homeless fof so man¡, r'easons! The prilnaly being that that Amelican Legion Memorial Building u'ill be folced to close. Posr22 u,ill no longel be able to lent the American Legion building fol parties. events. funerals. fundraisers u'ith a homeless shelter across the stl'eet. The ballet school u'ill close. Lodi Musical Theater u,ill lose our rehealsal space. The Vetelans of Post 22 u,ill lose their hom e. So much rvill be lost. Even nou'. u'ith the ferv homeless that fi'equent the adjacent park. Ì have been harassed multiple times, thleatened and follou,ed lear,ing the Arnelican Legion building as have all of m¡,cast members. And these disturbances happen u'ith.iust a handful of homeless. Are you not undel'standing horv dangerous it u,ill be to have hundreds coming and going fì'om the building acloss the street? Our businesses" oul livelihood, our leligious u'orship, our freedoms, our school Children are being dismissed b¡, ¿ govel'nor u'ho seems intent on controlling our' \ ¡ay of life and destroying our economy for his ou,n political gain. Please show the citizens of Lodi that you care more about those of us u,ho rn'ork hard, pay our taxes. pa)/ our utilities, shop a1 local businesses and do all we can by the su,eat of our brorv to make this city a safe place to live even in a State that gro\\/s more dangelous b1,the day. Shou' us that r.r'e as the working class of this community are important to 1,6r. Do not put a homeless sheltel near businesses ol the Glape Festival Nicole Hou,ton Director/Lodi Musical Theater Sent fi'om m1, iPhone Date: From: To: Subject: Hello City Council, Today's LodiNews headline article about the decision soon to be made kind of presses my "hot button". The tradition abbreviation of NIMBY, Not In My Back Yard" is surely a constant fight for you folks trying to make the best decisions possible. The LodiNews article could have uncovered a lot more local public involvement of that Tom Chapman sports complex. I for one have been involved with playing Senior Slow Pitch Softball there for 33 years. The senior softball league typically has had 8 teams, 6 of which play on Monday and Thursday evenings with two teams having a "bye" in a rotating basis to share the "off nights". This "Senior league" operates from March through September annually, with evening play starting at 6:00 PM with three consecutive games. Each player provides/pays a sizable annual entry fee to join the good health and fun activity. This past year was $95/person. A significant fee has been paid to the Lodi Recreation Dept. to be able to use Chaprnan Field, in the thousands of dollars. Many times in the past we (the Senior League) have attempted to use or ask for use of the "complex's" fields nearer the Railroad corridor without success because those two other fields are scheduled for other user's activities. This message is sent along to help you be aware of the more extensive uses going on "Pre-Pandemic" at Tom Chapman Field. Your decision in process, maybe being finalized this evening, 9-2-20, is important in many \ /ays. lf you would please pass these thoughts along to Steve Schwabauer as the City's Web- sight does not appear to provide a path for the public to cornrnunicate directly to hirn and the fine job is is doing for us all. As a small counterpoint to the City shutting down all the sports fields since early in the year, myself and many others see it as "counter-productive" in the health area as I'm 83 yrs., on no rnedications, and feel my involvement with the Senior Softball league's physical activity and positive human interactions is a significant reason why I'rn healthier than many in my age demographics. Sincerely, Jim Locke 209-329-s408 M 511 Willow Glen Drive Lodi, CA 95240 i nblockelÐsbcqlobal.net Jim Locke Ciw Counc¡l Tom Chapman Field Wednesday, September 2,2020 9i29i39 AM To: From: Subject: Dâte: DOUG RADER C¡ty Council Use of Chapman Field & Armory for Homeless Wednesday, September 2,2020 2:36:54 PM Dear City Council: I am writing in strong opposition to use of the Armory &/or Chapman Field for housing of homeless in any form. The proposal to use this location for tiny houses seems to be last minute in nature as the deadline for use of the funds is rapidly approaching and the previously identified LodiAve sites are now deemed unsuitable. Staff has had since 2018 to identify and determine the acceptability of appropriate sites, yet the decision is now rushed. The site is problematic for a number of reasons. I will cite my two primary concerns It's proximity to Lawrence School, adjacent youth and adult sports areas, the American Legion Building and the Grape Festival Grounds make the site unacceptable for the proposed use. School children, parents and attendees of functions at those facilities will very likely be subjected to aggressive panhandling and any one of the more unsavory habits commonly associated with the homeless population including public urination, defecation, drug use, yelling and profanity, and indecent exposure. As a result attendance of the numerous events at the American Legion, Grape Festival Grounds and the athletic facilities will suffer accordingly and there will be a negative economic impact felt by the entire community, not only in terms of direct attendance but also indirect revenue in the form of less spending in the community on things such as gas, food, hotel and motel stays. Chapman Field is regularly used by both adult and youth sports programs and has been for generations. Obviously use is less frequent due to COVID restrictions, but that should be a temporary situation. lt is not in the best interest of the citizens to convert an existing sports facility to a homeless community. Certainly there are more appropriate locations for this project. I sympathize that the city manager and council members are tasked with making a quick decision due to timeline of availability of funds, but do not make a rushed decision which will negatively impact this community for years to come. Again, I stand in strong opposition to converting the Armory &/or Chapman Field to any use as a homeless facility or community. I urge you to vote against this proposal and direct staff to quickly identify a more appropriate and suitable location. Respectfully, Doug Roder Fromi To: Subject: Date: Rvan Kosanke C¡ty Council; linda.kosankel@omail.com Vote Nol Parks and bums-homeless problem Wednesday, September 2,2020 9:47:45 AM Dear city council, I am a concerned cifizen who is fed up with the homeless bums who are staining beautiful Lodi. Please do not designate the Annory and park areas for these vagrants to take over with their filth and drug use. It's been a problem in Lodi finding discarded needles in parks and even outside businesses we visit, how can this be acceptable and allied to perpetuate by the elected officials of this city? Vote No for that area! We live on Calaveras St across from Lawrence elementary school, which puts Us directly in the neighborhood effected by the bums and addicts going to the park and Armory areas. So many kids want and need to use these parks and ball fields to play and flourish, but this will be encroachment on the children's play areas. Vote No for that area! Further more, this is bad because of the l<ids tal<ing ballet lessons at American Legion. We and other parents were harassed last year by the homeless people who set up camp At the baseball field and by The Annory. There was an instance of a female bum defacating I 5 feet from the door of the ballet lessons when parents and kids were leaving. This is unacceptable! Please think of the Lodi children and Vote No for this location! Do you want this filth and danger where your children or grandchildren play or take lessons? Thanks, Ryan Kosanke 916-335-4457 From: To: Subject: Date: R¡a Jones Citv Council WRONG LOCATON Tuesday, September 1, 2020 10:30:36 AM Council member This email is to implore you to NOT put the homeless people at the Armory and Chapman field. My husband has been the building manager at the American Legion the last 20 years. The veterans of this community matter and how we serve our community will be destroyed with the homeless right across the street from our building. The American Legion building on Washington Street was built between 1946 and 1950, officially opening in 1950. The American Legion Post 22 has been part of the Lodi community for a 100 years. They started out at Micke Grove. There is a monument there in front of the administration building testifying to the fact. For decades, yes decades, all our local school sports groups, booster clubs, student organizations have used our building to do their fundraisers. This benefits our veteran programs and the student sports programs at the schools and our city. Additionally, church groups, family events, medical screening events, social groups, celebration of life and so much more use our venue. For years we have battled with the destruction, vandalism, filth, and threats delivered by the homeless. We have called LPD many times. We had to install a security system and cameras to help us protect the property. The situations only gets worse. lf this proposal goes through, it will effectively destroy the American Legion. After Covid-19 shutdowns we are suffering greatly. Non profits depend on fundraising, community donations in order to provide services and now a fatal shot from the city council????? Many of our members are alarmed and upset. We honestly think we will have to close it up and just let the cobwebs take over. We are not kidding. Not one city official has contacted anyone at the American Legion. Shameful. I know, I am the secretary there. lf you choose the Armory and Chapman field as the homeless site (encampment), think about the cost to our community. Not just the buildings surrounding it but what services it provides a huge swath of our citizens. Please vote NO on the proposal. The people do not want this. Find more suitable location. Ria Jones 430 Swallow Lane Lodi CA lo: Date: Fromr Ramon Yepez Citv Counc¡l Comments Public Comment for Agenda Item Number H-02 (Resolution Regarding Tiny Homes Project) Wednesday, September 2,2020 3:57:10 PM Subject: TO BE CLEAR,THIS IS MY PUBL¡C COMMENT FOR AGENDA ITEM NUMBER H. 02 FOR THE O9/O2I2O2O LODI CITY COUNCIL MEETING. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS HOW THE CITY IS ALLOWING CITIZENS TO VERBALLY ADDRESS ISSUES AT COUNCIL MEETINGS. Good Evening - My name is Ramon Yepez and I am runn¡ng for Lodi City Council (District 4) Tonight's decision would essentially create a homeless shelter at Armory Park in the East Side. It's a rushed decision being made without consulting the residents in the houses surrounding the park and without taking into account the long-term fiscal impact on all residents of Lodi. The grant money only covers the costs of construction. Who will be responsible for operational costs and maintenance costs throughout the years? Will this responsibility fall on taxpayers? According to the Lodi lmprovement Committee, the project requires an additional $250,000 for what's referred to as the "balance of the costs". Will this responsibility also fall on taxpayers? And why is the shelter being built on the East Side? Why not in Rosegate? Why not in Reynolds Ranch? Why not in any other area of Lodi other than the East Side? This is a citywide problem that is being dumped on the East Side, over-budget and without approval from the residents most affected. lnterestingly, on the same night the city is voting to create the East Side homeless shelter, it is also voting to allow Reynolds Ranch to build well over 100 low-to-medium density units (the type of units that ensure that the housing stock remains unaffordable, as opposed to high-density units which are affordable and, thus, help the overall homeless problem). It's ironic that at the same meeting where the city is merely putting a patch on the overall homeless problem by approving the East Side homeless shelter, it's also making the overall problem even worse by approving the construction of yet more unaffordable housing. The city is rushing headlong into a project that will not have any meaningful impact on the homeless problem, will destroy property values in the surrounding neighborhood, and will lead to a tax increase on all residents to pay for the unexpected costs lf a homeless shelter is the solution the city has decided on, the decision to approve it needs to be delayed to ensure that all those affected by it have their voices heard. The city also needs to consider areas other than the East Side. A citywide problem is a citywide responsibility. There's space in Rosegate and Reynolds Ranch for this shelter. Were those locations even considered by the city? Why does the East Side have to lose a park so the rest of the city doesn't have to do its fair share to handle the homelessness problem? This is why district elections were necessary - to ensure that residents of the East Side are considered in decisions that affect them. Ramon Yepez Candidate for City Council (District 4) September 2,2020 Dear City Counsel members, Recently there was news that the area around the Lodí Armory and Chapman Field was being looked at to create a low barrier homeless center and shelter. As a director of the Lodi Grape Festival I strongly oppose this plan. ln that area there are six event centers: the softball complex, Zupo Field, the Grape Bowl, the American Legion Hall, the Eagles Lodge and the Lodi Grape Festival grounds. A facility of this kind will undoubtably increase the homeless population in Lodi and in the proposed area. Buíld it and they will comel There is no way people would want to rent the above facilities with a homeless encampment at the¡r front door. lt is hard enough to rent our facilities now with the terrible homeless s¡tuat¡on in and around Lawrence Park. On a daily basis, the LodiGrape Festival must deal with damage, garbage and filth created by the homeless that are allowed to live unlawfully in Lawrence Park. Hopefully, the City Council and staff of the City of Lodi can go back to the drawing board and come up with a different location thät will not be as negatively impactful to one of the busiest parts of Lodi. Sincerely, Adeline Muller 9e.f nûrfe/€tta*dt¿;taaMOLAMPHY, O.I Lodi. CA 95240lovNreverùl/@yá^6dt ee2rq (an_-f? / /J A/*/e-/l/t\, {rv'{;)'/t Citvcouncil@lodi.sov e/1./2O Honorable Council Members: Subject: September 2,2O2O Council Meeting Agenda ltem H-2 I am writing to you to adamantly protest the use of Chapman Field for any act¡vity other than sports. My family - wife, son, daughter and myself, have all played softball league games on Chapman Field. I have also coached teams of children for T-Ball and Machine Pitch leagues which have games on Chapman Field. I believe that if our friend and Parks champion, Bob Johnson were still with us and sitting in his Council Chair we would not even be discussing losing a Parks facility and impacting this great recreation area. Chapman Filed is ¡n the heart of a great family recreation district adjacent to the Grape Bowl, Zupo Field and the Softball complex. How safe do you think families will feel attending events at these facilities and having to run a gauntlet of transients to get to and from parking. And what of the children attending Lawrence School? Families already complain about the risk their children take walking past the 15 or 20 transients at Lawrence Park - just imagine dealing with over 100. This is not an issue about whether or not the City should be doing something about the Homeless problem. This is an issue about the use of a City Sports field and a Family sporting complex that should remain in use to serve the residents of Lodi. I understand the "rush" to take action is due to funding deadlines. As Lodi was the only City in San Joaquin County to accept these particular grant funds, I am confident that more grant funds will become and are available. Simply let the funds go back. Then use the time for a proper, transparent, public process and grants with less strings that may be better suited for our needs. The Governor continues to make funds available for homeless íssues. We do need something done about the transient issues in Lodi. But it needs to be something that actually gets them off the street - which this program does not - as admitted publicly by City Administration. We need to make Lodia less attractive place fortransients. Enforce current laws. When we get the demographics down to the couple dozen that are actual Lodi residents then we may have a manageable number we can actually help. Building a "Homeless City" has not worked anywhere and only serves to attract more transients and their associated issues. Thank you, Gary Wiman 210 S. Sunset Drive Lod, Ca 95240 Forwarded message From : John Ledbetter <John@vinofarm s.net) Date: Tlru, Aug27,2020 at2:32PM Subject: Tiny Homes Project To : dkuehne(â,lod i. gov <dtgghle@þdi,ggt> Cc: JohnDellaMonica@ Mayor Doug Kuehne This letter is to shou, suppoft to the Council as an advocate of Lodi's Tiny Honre Project. The Lodi Committee on Homelessness ìs an advocate of our unsheltered individuals and this projects transitional housing corxponent offers that effected part of our Cities homeless population. It also fills a large void in the type of housing the City is required to begin to fill. It's serves as a hands up verses a hand out to tliose moving to a nrore productive independence. It fits perfectly into the goals of the SJ CoC approved Stlategic Plan by providing lrousing that assists the honreless to Írlove from the street, to a shelter, to transitional housing, and finally to pennanent housing. The legacy of Mr Chapman, and his desire to u¡ork with families through spofts, can transition Chaprnan Field into a renewed vision of that same goal. The LCOH supported and assisted Lodi's application for the HEAP grant to fund this project and u,ill continue to suppoft it to completion. Sincerely John Ledbetter, Chair Lodi Committee on Homelessness Sent fi"onr my iPad From: Donald Massengill <midsecure(@yahoo.com> Date: September 2,2020 at 4:37:13 PM PDT To: Steve Schwabauer <sschwabauer@lodi.gov>, Doug Kuehne <dkuehne@lodi.gov>, Mark Chandler <mchandler@lod i.gov), JoAnne Mounce <jmounce(@lodi.gov>, Alan Nakanishi <anakanishi@lodi.gov>, John Ledbetter <John@vinofanns.net> Subject: homeless support letter guys and joanne here is my suppoft letter for tonight Council 8131,/2020 I have been a member of the committee on homelessness, for approximately three years and in that time, we have accomplished a lotthe and lwas in charge of the 2OI8 point in time homeless count in Lodi which was one of the best counts this county has ever had. This proposal that the city staff is proposing is probably the best solution we can ever come up with and will work and I know we all here it not in my back yard well it has to go somewhere and we are still under the 9th circuit court ruling which has the city and this groups hands tied till we can come up with a solution of providing a bed for each person that is homeless, The council knows my background and will not go into it I will say this that with allthe work they have done on this project this is going to solve most and if not all of the issues once this project goes to full build out and will be able to help not only the homeless but the low income and seniors in the city also for services to witch still need to be figured out and so on Donald Massengill member of the committee And small business owner adj Services of Ca which will be doing a soft opening in Jan. 2020 Donald Massengill president ADJ Services -ca From: To: Subject: Date: Hector Madrloal City Council Comments Comment on Agenda ltem C-12 Saturday, August 29, 2020 10:15:52 PM I want to leave a comment on Agenda Item C-12 for Septernber 2,2020 Ciry Council Meeting "Good evening everyone. I want to commend the Lodi City Council and the Committee on Homelessness for the work they have put in over the years on this Tiny Homes Project with 'housing first' in mind. While I wish it was cornpleted faster and with less lnoney, ì would still like to lend my voice and support behind the Tiny Homes Project and the potential site at Torn Chapman Field. We know that these five housing units will not cause all of the homeless population to live in that particular area,and such a notion is absurd. This'housing first' approach has been shown to significantly improve the lives of the newly housed, and it reduces long-term costs of taking care of chronically horneless individuals. I realize this program rnight seem unofthodox to some citizens, but it is tirne for us to innovate and create new solutions to long-time probletns in our society. One Love, Hector Madrigal, candidate for Lodi City Council District 5." Hector Madrigal http ://www.votehector. us Julia Tyack 425 West Walnut Street, Apt. #4 Lodi, CA 95240 September 2,2020 Dear Councilmembers Kuehne, Mounce, Chandler and Nakanishi: I am writing to express my strong support of the City's Tiny Home Project As both a long-time resident and a City employee, I am impressed with the sense of community pride expressed by our citizens, City Council, City Management team, and employees. Lodi is a very special community. We have a unique sense of place, and we care about each other. Our community members are involved in nonprofit organizations, churches and service groups, and they are generous with their time and resources. We have partnered on a multitude of projects that have led to an improved quality of life for all Lodi citizens. ln this way, we are fortunate to have a diverse group of organizations working together to address our homelessness concerns, including Lodi's Committee on Homelessness, San Joaquin Continuum of Care, Take Back Lodi, Salvation Army, Lodi House, Women's Center Youth and Family Services and the SJ Housing Authority. We are not alone in our struggle with homelessness, but members of our community are uniquely committed to addressing these issues together. The Tiny Home project is a critical first step toward tackling homelessness in Lodi. These homes will be part of the transitional housing component of our strategic plan to address homelessness, and theywill provide safety, dignity and hope to struggling indíviduals in our community. Tenants will go through a stringent referral process, the project will be properly managed by the Housing Authority of San Joaquin, and those who are selected to live in the homes will not take this opportunity for granted. I urge you to move forward on the Tiny Home project. Tackling homelessness is not an easy process, and we have a long way to go. But this project is a strategic, critical first step in the right direction, and we need to ensure that we do not lose the Sf.ZS million that has been awarded. Successful implementation of this project willset us up to receive more expansive funding assistance in the future, and we willsteadily make progress on keeping Lodi livable and lovable for all citizens. Thank you, Julia Tyack \a Adventist Heatth\ Lodi MemoriaI 975 S. Fairmont Ave. Lodi, CA 95240 209-334-?4r7 AdventistHea lthLodi Memor¡a l.org Dear City Council, Homelessness, we know, ìs not going to be resolved if we continue to do what we've been doing. Change occurs when we begin to act dìfferently, when we begin to think differently. There is no simple solution to homelessness. We can allagree on that. lf there were, no one would be homeless. The 201-9 San Joaquin County Po¡nt in Time Count saw 139 homeless individuals here in Lodi. While we do have services in Lodi such as the Salvation Army, which provldes temporary shelter, we do not have a more permanent solution ìn our City for those impacted by homelessness. During my involvement with the Lodi Committee on Homelessness (LCOH), transparency has never eluded any of the meetings. Honest conversations have taken place and will continue to take place even after a decision on thìs matter is made. Opìnions expressed by concerned citìzens as well as LCOH committee members have been taken into consideration. The HEAP Tiny Home Project was a thoroughly vetted project. Potential properties were analyzed, and consideration was given to the locatlon, taking into account services provided around ìt. There are wrap around services and community partners here in Lodi, and in our county that can work together to make this project a successful one. Our Mayor, Doug Kuehne, and our Cìty Manager, Steve Schwabauer, have done a commendable job educating themselves on the matter. I trust that with theìr leadership, the best decision will be made. l'd like to express my support of the HEAP Tiny Homes in our City. Sincerely, Katherine Gonzales Katherine Gonzales, MPH I Manager I Community lntegration Adventist Health Lodi Memorial | 975 S. Fairmont Ave. I Lodi, CA 95240 P 209-339-7 590 | E GonzalkO2@ah.ore I AdventistHealth.org/LodiMemorial From: To: Subject: Datel David D¡skin Citv Council Letter Regarding "Tiny Homes" at Armory Park Tuesday, September 1, 2020 11:46:19 AM Lodi City Council, I understand that there is concern throughout the community about the proposed "Tiny Homes" project and ¡t's proposed location at Armory Park. Let's examine a few of the comments on ¡ust one post on Facebook from yesterday about the proposa l: ¡ "Not the right place for something like this. ... Nor is it right to put it across from the existing homes on Stockton St. .., Would be great somewhere near San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp." - Denise Wiman ¡ "San Francisco is the perfect place," - Gunnar Nissen . "San Francisco," - Chris Arbour . "The old meat plant off highway 99 by Woodbridge road is a good spot for this project as well." - Nathan Clay . "lots of city land near the waste treatment plant on l-5." - John Haynes . "l agree...how about bussing them out just like they bus them in." - Betty Stafford-Goble I think it's clear that no matter what location is chosen there will be a loud, angry contingent within the city. The NIMBY effect is heavy in Lodi. You have three options: 1. lgnore the NIMBY effect and select the best location within city limits that will serve the homeless community and better everyone's lives. 2. Appease the NIMBY people and select a site far away from city resources with limited transportation, employment, and food. 3. Do nothing and let the problem continue to grow and foster, further impacting emergency resources like our hospital and first responders. We must address this problem locally, We must provide people with an opportunity to better themselves. We must give them resources that are easily accessible. We cannot keep kicking this down the road. We cannot expect the homeless to travel back and forth to l-5 for resources and shelter. We cannot do nothing. You were elected to make decisions, sometimes tough ones that are unpopular but good for the city as a whole - not just those with a voice or personal interests. You asked city employees, social experts, local non-profits, the county, and your community for advice. These advisors have told you that Armory Park is the best location and that it needs to happen now. Please support their recommendation. Thank you, -David Diskin 2250 Scarborough Drive #30, Lodi, CA 95240 Good evening, my name is Nati Bowman and I am an employee of a small, family-run Lodi business, a founder and director of an all-volunteer nonprofit and community center that serves homeless folks on the East Side, and a candidate for Lodi City Council District 4. But tonight I'd like to speak to you simply as a fellow Lodian. We must set aside polarizing rhetoric and come together as a community, working for what is best for our city and those who live in it. This includes the unhoused. Solving homelessness is an unachievable goal. But, we can use proven strategies and well-planned programs to provide a pathway for those who want and are willing to get off the streets. I believe that each one of us has a civic and moral responsibility to provide assistance to others in need as best we can while being diligent stewards of our resources. City staff, stakeholders in the community, individual citizens and local businesses have made the above possible for the first time in a long time for Lodi. The plans before the Council today are well thought out, informed by diverse, experienced stakeholders, and will drastically improve many problems that we here in Lodi are tired of and concerned about. The location is cost effective because most of it is already owned by the City and the Tiny Homes are funded by grants, not Loditax payers or private donations like current homeless interventions are. lf we care about fiscal responsibility, we must vote yes. The block is already overrun with homeless people and ugly chain link fencing due to its location, but with the proposed tiny homes and center, there would be constant care of the grounds. lf we care about the beautification and accessibility of our city, we must vote yes. There is currently no staff consistently providing oversight or security for the area, but trained professionals on site would assist with this. lf we care about our children and their safety, we must vote yes. Thank you for your time and consideration of this very important issue August 31,2O2O Mayor Doug Kuehne: As the former City of Lodi library director, I am aware of the toll homelessness wages against those individuals and families who find themselves in this devastating social cycle. The many issues the homeless population face prevent individuals from resolving the situation on their own. They need a helping hand to escape the cycle of unemployment, homelessness, hunger, etc. The comprehensive plan proposed by the San Joaquin Continuum of Care addresses the multitude of issues facing the homeless population and the community. lt presents a positive, constructive process for real change in the lives of the homeless and for the benefit of the community. ln addition, moving forward with the initialTiny Homes Project will set Lodi on this road to recovery. I support and urge the council's support of Lodi's Tiny Homes Project and the comprehensive countywide plan to deal structurally with the issues of homelessness in San Joaquin County. Sincerely, Nancy C. Martinez To the Lodi City Council, I hope you are all doing well and are in good health. I would like to respectfully share my stance on homelessness and offer another viewpoint. Everything stated below is based on opinion and my personal experiences. It is not a critique on anyone or some political statement. People experiencing homelessness, those living outside. or those who do not have permanent addresses have been stigrnatized and vilified for a long time. Oftentimes. their existence is tied to claims of "laziness.'" drug-use and their circumstances being their fault. Homelessness is not an "us" versus "them" issue. It is a universal issue in which initiatives that alleviate rather than punish must be passed. Those individuals in this program will have put in the hard-work to graduate fi'om Lodi House, Salvation Army, and the Stockton Wornen's Shelter programs. They will have shown dedication in trying to better their own lives, learn the life skills to be self-sufficient members of our society and will be taking advantage of these programs. No funds will be taken from the City of Lodi budget as this is federally funded. Oftenfimes, employers and the job market require permanent addresses, bank-accounts are required for payments, and some form of stability. Those living outside do not have access to rrrany of these things. How can rnany of them work and be functioning and contributing members of society when they do not have the basic tools to do so. The passing of this initiative will help rentedy these issues. Affordable and accessible housing encourages them to become more industrious members of our society. In regards to rny personal perspective I offer a smalltoken of insight.I ant a part of three medical clinics in which u'e offer fi'ee healthcare to those experiencing homelessness. The trauma of living outside is immense both mentally and physically. Many do not have access to adequate. unobstructed healthcare. The trauma of living on the streets is both physical and mental. Homelessness is a reflection of zs as a society in which we often punish people of our community for not having the same opportunities, privileges and accessibilities that we do. This is not a political issue and this initiative is not "enabling homelessness." This is a human issue. The passing of this initiative is not a hand-out. It is a helping hand. During a global pandemic in which those living outside are often at the forefront of catching deadly viruses and diseases, we need to practice kindness rather than forcing accountability. To be human is to show empathy. We do not need to experience homelessness to help others out of it. Our support will change lives. 'We must exercise kindness above everything else. With all of that being said, I implore members of the City Council to support the passage of the Tiny Homes Initiative. Thank you, Muhammad T To the Lodi City Council, 'We hope you are all doing well We, those listed below. would like to respectfully write to the council in supporl of the tiny homes initiative. Our country is in the midst of both a housing and a homeless crisis, both of which have been compounded by the pandemic. A census published by the White House in 2018 found that over half a million Americans face homelessness each night and those numbers have only risen in the past 2 years. In the last 6 nronths, as people have lost their jobs and been unable to make rent. those numbers have sky-rocketed. The tiny homes project is funded by a federal grant. requiring residents of the proposed 8 to 9 units to pay only a fraction of the rent on these units, thereby providing them a place to live as they regain their financial stability. Many of these prospective residents are mothers caring for their children and u,omen escaping abusive relationships. Those facing homelessness are vulnerable members of our society deseruing of our compassion and regard. For those who would oppose this initiative with concerns associated with open access homeless shelters, we would like to emphasize that that is not the intent of this project. It is inrportant to again note that this will not be the first step these residents have taken to getting off the streets: these are graduates of the Lodi House. Salvation Army, and Stockton 'Women's Shelter programs. Under these programs, prospective residents have taken life skills courses and shown dedication to rejoining sociefy as productive and self-sufficient members. No money is being allocated fi'om the City of Lodi budget; the project is entirely grant funded. As such, no city services will suffer to allow for the budget of the project and we therefore fail to see a reason not to move forward with the initiative. The names below implore the Lodi City Council to vote in favour of the initiative Thank you lor your time l. Sanruel 'Wright 2. Sydney Utley 3. Ruth Hernandez 4. Paige Daniel 5. Samantha Little 6. Elyssa Santana 7. Devin Franklin 8. Nevan Bell 9. Muhammad Tariq I 0. Jenna Doughefty I l. Joan Utley 12. Caroline Seibly 13. Monica Villa 14. Angelo Paternostro 15. Kylee Guthrie 16. Kylie Maguire 17. Annie Andrews 18. Paige Mattei 19. Karen Mattei 20. Scott Mattei 21. Brandon Nelson 22. Elllot Locke 23. Jay Saleh 24.Darby McCauley 25. Areesh Ilyas 26. Catneron Mitchell 27. Abby hildenbrand 28. Aubrey andrews 29.Maria Valenzuela 30. Dylan O'ryan 3l. Shanley Moran-Mcauley 32. Alfredo Santana 33. Hayden Lewis 34. Katelyn Eproson 35. William Kim 36. Madison Rivero 37 . Mariah Besabe 38. Madisun Eisenbeis 39. Austin Costa 40. James Sunseri 41. Kayla Love 42.Déna Mohseni 43. Malika Haji 44. Tahla Bahnasi 45. Andrew'Heryford 46. Emily Souza 47.Mallory Bettencouft 48. Rawan Karaki 49. Reina Karaki 50. Angel Coftez 5l . Corrin Clemons 52.Elizabeth Hershey 53. Alyssa Fuentes 54. Melisa Perez 55. Amanda Moe 56. Tony El-Sokkary 57. Jasmin Gill 58. Jessa ltliong 59. Sundus Khan 60. Sharan Kalkat 61. Anrber Jones 62.Kylie Yamada 63. Melody Shiau 64. Nikolina Bilkic 65. Sophia Blake 66. Ryan Taylor 67. Hayley Neadeau 68. Jasmin Tran 69. Kyra Liu 70. Aqsa Jaffar 71. Samantha Sek 72. Giselle Victoria Oftiz -Gutierrez 73. Mohinder Pal Singh 74.lnder Singh Chatha 75. Surjit Chatha 76.Harman Kalcut 77. Karam Kaur 78. Emma Canepa 79. Michelle Meza 80. Ava Canestrino 8l . Marcos Lopez 82. Frenly Espino 83. Charlotte Suiza 84. ally quesada 85. daniel fi'anklin 86. alexis baker 87. ZoeLevit 88. Margaret Levit 89. Stephen Levit 90. Emersyn White 9l. Ala Rahman 92. Omar Altamimi 93. Hamad Arif 94. ShambhaviMishra 95. Lena Quan 96. Jasmine Daragahi 97. Shahinazlshac 98. Maya Bahnasy 99. Christine Pham I 00. Sarah Islas 101. Yvon Sanchez Lonr HousE iloPl.ì þ'oR \V()ù{HN & (ìllll,l)til,ln* [st¿blishcd in 1gf)g www.lodihouse.org info@ lodihouse.org 801 5. Washington St. Lodi, CA 95240 209.334.6346 Founders iim & Annette Murdaca ¿qê!.!l_oj pire4org Rebecca Carroll Claire Forsythe Capt. David Griffin Michelle Munoz Dave Payne Christi Weybret Mandy Whatley Exe¡utiye_Þjlellaf 5helby Young Lodî House provides compassionote support, counseling and shelter to homeless women ond children to empower them to live courageous, heølthy and independent lives. August 8,2020 Mayor Doug Kuehne, This letter is to show support to the Council as an advocate of Lodi's Tiny Homes Project. The Lodi House has been an advocate for unsheltered women and children in our community for the past 20 years. One of our clients' greatest barriers in establishing long term stability is affordable housing. Lodi's Tiny Homes Project offers real solutions for this barrier. Lodi House clients would benefit from having housing available in close proximity to an elementary school, sports facilities as well as programs and continued support services, therapy and accountability through Lodi House's Suzanne Mangum Enrichment Center located at 356 East Walnut Street. Lodi House envisions utilizing the tiny homes for its graduates as long as the environment and surrounding areas provide a safe, drug free, family friendly environment that supports and encourages a new mindset for Lodi House graduate's success. Lodi House believes providing resources with accountability and establishing healthy relationships are key components in helping individuals overcome cycles of poverty to achieve long term siability. Therefore, I encourage the councilto keep these in mind when determining how to address the increasing concerns of homelessness in our community. Sincerely, Young Lodi House Executive Anne Margo Cortes B North California Street Lodi, CA 95240 September I,2020 Dear City Councilmembers Mounce, Kuehne, Nakanishi, and Chandler As a homeowner in Downtown Lodi sharing a fence with Emerson Park, the location of a regular homeless encampment during the day, I can understand the frustrations of my fellow Lodi citizens who are worried about making Lodi hospitabìe to homeless people and inadvertently encouraging more homeless people to come to Lodi, However, I recognize that there is more going on with the homelessness situation in our town than meets the eye, and looking over the FAQs for the HEAP Tiny Homes Project, I can tell that the benefits of this project greatly outweigh the costs. First, it is incredibly important for my fellow Lodians who are currently opposed to this project to understand that the people who will be living in these homes are not drug addicts who spend their days lounging around wreaking havoc on our community, They are not miscellaneous individuals who have arrived from other cities to take advantage of our resources. They are instead simply low-income Lodi families who have found themselves in hard times and need a hand right now. As stated in the FAQs for the HEAP Tiny Homes Project, the individuals and families who would be living in these tiny homes must go through a vetting process set in place through our well-run local organizations, specifically the Salvation Army, Lodi House, and the Women's Center Youth and Family Services, Who doesn't know someone whose life is in upheaval due to our current economic situation? Right now is a time when we most need to be granting our neighbors grace. Second, as stated in the FAQs of the HEAP Tiny Homes Project, allof the residents will be required to pay 300/o of their monthly income on rent, Anyone who is investing their hard- earned money, particularly someone with a low income for whom every dollar makes an enormous difference, is going to be invested in taking care of their home if they are having to contribute to their rent. Third, individuals who are homeless or at risk of being homeìess have an enormous incentive to keep a roof over their head once they have one. Having the privilege of being approved to live in one of the tiny homes is something that the residents are going to be grateful for every day, and they are going to undoubtedly make a concerted effort to keep earning the right to live in their tiny home, Fourth, as stated in the FAQs for the HEAP Tiny Homes Project, the major consequence of not building the tiny homes is that the City would completely lose the funding it has been awarded. The $1,250,000 of grant money to help tackle our homelessness issue in Lodi is not money that we can afford to throw away, which is exactly what we would be doing if we let the fears created by a lack of understanding of how the project really works blind us from seeing that this project is âctually an asset to our community, Fifth, and most important of all, in order for the City of Lodi to receive additional funding to tackle our homelessness issue further, we must first demonstrate that we have made an effort to effectively address it, which is exactly what the HEAP Tiny Homes Project does. It is extremely important for our neighbors who are opposed to the project to recognize that this is an incredibly necessary first step in tackling our homelessness issues effectively. Even though the City of Lodi is well run and fiscally responsible, we simply don't have the funds to tackle our homelessness issue without assistance, and we need to take advantage of opportunities like this to demonstrate movement in the right direction so we can acquire additional funding. Again, we cannot let fear blind us from seeing that the HEAP Tiny Homes Project is a benefit to our community. It helps struggling, deserving, low income Lodi families out when they need it most, it enables us to take advantage of the $1,250,000 grant money that we have been awarded that we would otherwise lose, and it makes us eligible for further funding that we so desperately need in order to finally tackle the homelessness issue that we have been grappling with for so long. Lodi simply cannot afford to not build the HEAP Tiny Homes Project. As a homeowner who regularly deals with the challenges of our less reputable homeless community right next to my home, I urge you to please ensure that the HEAP Tiny Homes Project is built. I look forward to the day when families visiting Emerson Park can use the playground, picnic and restroom facilities without having to worry about disreputable individuals constantly around, The only way to clean up our town is to make steady progress towards tackling the homelessness issue, and the HEAP Tiny Homes Project is an absolutely necessary first step in making that happen. With much respect, Anne Margo Cortes Jane Wagner-Tyack Steve Tyack 145 S, Rose St. Lodi, CA 95240 September L,2020 Dear Councilmembers Mounce, Nakanishi, Chandler, and Kuehne: ,Despite its reputation in San f oaquin County for being hyper-conservative, Lodi has long been forward-thinking in a variety of important ways. An example of that forward-thinking mindset is the current plan to use HEAP funding to provide six tiny homes as transitional/permanent housing for residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This plan is well thought-out and deserves a chance to work. Over the years, the Lodi City Council has overseen many initiatives that were controversial and difficult at the time but that turned out to be wise. Just a few examples: ¡ Lodi water planners have for decades taken the long view of what would be necessary to ensure our water security, given the situation with groundwater and surface water resources, so we now have a water treatment plant and have reduced our dependence on groundwater by up to 50 percent' ¡ We had a toxic plume that is mostly cleaned up now because the City Council took the advice of then-City Attorney Steve Schwabauer and agreed that responsibility for paying to fix the plume couldn't be shifted to anyone else. . In the 2l years that my husband and I have lived here, Lodi has never finished a fiscalyear in the red, unlike some other cities in the County. o Fiscally conservative staff have developed a pension stabilization plan to meet public retirement obligations, something that very few cities in California or anywhere else have been able to do. o We have a police department that understands and practices community policing strategies that, if practiced nationwide, would have averted much of the violence we are now seeing in other parts of the country' Lodi's city government does so many things right that those of us who benefit from living in a well-run city neglect to praise decision makers. The citizens that the City Council usually hears from are a vocal, unhappy minority, Regarding the HEAP Project: Some nicely cared-for homes on North Stockton Street across from the project site already have an eyesore across the street from them at the back of the National Guard Armory. Unfortunately, this is not for the most part a residential area, and with Lawrence Park, it is already a gathering place for people who are homeless. It is hard to imagine that a project managed and maintained by the Housing Authority of San Joaquin County would be more of an eyesore or more of a danger to the neighborhood; more likely, it would be an improvement. Similarly, it is hard to imagine that such a project would be more of a threat to boys and girls sports taking place on nearby playing fields. We don't live on the East Side of Lodi, and it would be easy for someone to criticize our support for a project that wouldn't be "in our backyard," But broadly speaking, how should the City deal equitably with residents of the East Side? A place to begin is by recognizing that this area-near the freeway, with mature shade trees and proximity to downtown-is already a draw for people who for whatever reason are unsheltered. Logically, we cannot generalize about the reasons why they are unsheltered. California has a huge homeless population partly because California has very high housing costs. There is good evidence that most of the homeless people in Lodi are not from somewhere else. Some of them are our neighbors who have been unable to negotiate an economic system that can be challenging even for the most capable of us. Some Lodians [but not, I am sure, most) would be willing to bulìdoze all the homeless people out through the Delta and the Estuary and send them through the Golden Gate into the Pacific Ocean. Like the smoke in the air or the deafening electronic political bickering, we just want it all to go away. But people who have been unsuccessfuì in becoming economically, socially, or mentally stable are not going to just go away. No matter what our religious upbringing, on some level, we all know that, and we all know that we cannot just abandon them-not those who are most difficult to interact with, and certainly not those who are trying valiantly to get on their feet. The answer, not just for them but for the whole community, is to treat them like fellow citizens rather than like refuse. The HEAP Tiny Homes Project is a small step in the right direction of civic responsibility. We encourage the City Council to take that step. Sincerely, Jane Wagner-Tyack Steve Tyack