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Hello Congressman Peters, Mayor Gloria and Council Member Campbell,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my profound concerns about the proposed placement of a homeless encampment in Liberty Station as part of the Comprehensive Shelter Strategy. As a proud resident of this community, I am apprehensive about the potential implications of this decision on our families, schools, local businesses, and tourism industry. Here are my primary points of concern:

Impact on Liberty Station and Military Families:

Liberty Station, with neighborhoods such as Admiralty Row, Beacon Point, and Anchor Cove, represents hundreds of homes and condominiums, predominantly occupied by families.  Additionally, there are 500 families in military housing south of the Admiralty Row and Beacon Point community and on Barnett Avenue.  These homes house many children who attend the NINE San Diego City School certified campuses within and around Liberty Station (this number does not include numerous pre-schools and children’s education centers in close proximity to the proposed shelter). An encampment so close to these homes and schools raises serious safety concerns.

Tourism Implications:

The San Diego Bay area heavily relies on its tourism industry, drawing visitors from all over the world.  The sight of semi-permanent tents, litter, and the challenges faced by the homeless population may deter potential tourists. This would not only impact the visitors’ experience but could also hurt the city’s revenue.

Local Businesses and Restaurants:

If approved, this project may exacerbate issues faced by business owners, employees, and customers due to potential harassment, theft, and other disturbances.  Businesses might reconsider their decision to operate in the area, leading to potential economic downturns for the community.

Implications for the San Diego International Airport:

The proposed encampment could result in increased security concerns around the airport, with potential incidents of break-ins, obstructions in traffic, and misuse of the airport facilities.

Existing Challenges:

We already witness issues like trespassing, theft, panhandling, and harassment from a subset of the current homeless population.
Introducing an additional 300-700 individuals without a comprehensive plan in place will exacerbate these issues.

Role of Affected Organizations:

Several governance organizations are responsible for managing and providing security in the area. This includes the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, Liberty Station Community Association, NTC Foundation, and City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department. Their roles and responsibilities could be significantly impacted by this proposal. 

While I understand and deeply empathize with the need to support our homeless community, we must also ensure the safety, security, and well-being of our existing residents as well. Protecting the rights and dignity of homeless individuals is important, but this must be balanced against the rights and needs of the broader community.

I urge you to reconsider this proposal and engage in a collaborative dialogue with stakeholders, including residents, business owners, and governance organizations, to arrive at a solution that ensures the welfare of all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will give it the consideration it deserves.

Warm regards,

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