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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-B Public CommentAnthony Mejia From: Jenny Gil <jenny@desertx.org> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:23 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Comment in opposition to a Homeless Center in Desert Highland Getaway Estates Dear Palm Springs City Council, Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, I am writing to express my strong opposition to a Homeless Center project proposal for Desert Highland Gateway Estates. I am the Executive Director of Desert X, I work in Palm Springs, my son goes to public school in the city, we are active members of the Park and Recreation facilities, contribute to the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Public Library and also contribute to the many businesses in the city. Placing a homeless facility in the forever abandoned and ignored neighborhood of Desert Highland Gateway is a rational way of planing to perpetuate systemic racism in our city and is unacceptable. Before having a homeless center, the neighborhood needs grocery shops where residents can find fresh produce and water, a pharmacy, a library, banks, and cultural facilities. Put the center elsewhere, in a neighborhood that is already supported by basic services and can welcome a facility without endangering its social and economic balance. I am appalled by the lack of vision of our leadership to deal with the issue of homelessness in our city. We have all experienced an increase of the homeless population in Palm Springs. I run into people experiencing homelessness every day as I drop my son off at school, as i enter and leave my office building, go to the museum, the library or shop at our local businesses. I urge this city council to reconsider the placement of the homeless center and to begin thinking of viable solutions to homelessness with love, fairness and humanity. Jenny Gil Schmitz Pronouns: She/Her/Ella Executive Director C +1 760 567 3284 ienny(c desertx.org www.deserb(.org Desert X 2021— The Film Watch it on KCET DESERT>< DX23 Coming Soon Coachella Valley CA Thank you for your support Desert X is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 30-0852223 The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient specified in message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party, without a written consent of the sender. 1 ?AliL CbinwuirL4 If you received this message by mistake, please reply to this message and follow with its deletion, so that we can ensure such a mistake does not occur in the future. Arca ro's Auto Body Repair, Inc. 340 Del Sol Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 325-6400 TO: City Clerk, City of Palm Springs FROM: Cindy and Michael Arcaro DATE: November 4, 2021 RE: Proposed Homeless Navigation Center Site We would like our comments to be shared regarding the proposed site for the homeless navigation center on McCarthy Road in Palm Springs. We own commercial property and have operated our business in the area adjacent to the proposed site since the mid-1980's. We agree there is a need for a homeless navigation center in Palm Springs. We do not lack compassion and are very sympathetic to the needs of our homeless community. We agree that it is crucial for them to have a location where their needs can be met. We just do not feel this is a good location for this type of facility. The statement made by Mayor Holstedge, published on the NBC Palm Springs webpage, is exactly what concerns us as property and business owners. Mayor Holstedge states, "Looking at multiple locations, including one in the north end that already has warehouses and structures already to go where people could sort of be housed immediately." The word "immediately" is a huge concern, because it makes us feel that the city is rushing into a decision without doing their due diligence or considering the potential negative impact to the existing neighborhood. Even our City Manager, Justin Clifton, stated to the Desert Sun that "time is of the essence... because it is likely that the opportunity to assume the contract for the McCarthy Road property wouldn't be on the table forever." This location is too far from downtown. There will be many people that will not leave the vicinity, and will congregate and loiter around local homes, apartment complexes, businesses, and parks. It has been stated on the NBC Palm Springs webpage that "It's not illegal to camp out on the streets, we do not criminalize homelessness." It is clear from what other business owners and residents in the city have been dealing with regarding the homeless population that there will be problems. We already know that when problems arise with homeless people sleeping on or setting up camp on our properties, we will receive no support or assistance from the city or local law enforcement. That has been proven by incidents shared with us by many local business owners. The homeless set up camp on their properties, and when they call the police for assistance, they are told that Palm Springs does not enforce the loitering laws and to just deal with it. That is unacceptable. What we have experienced with recent city decisions that involve our neighborhood is that officials only focus on the positive impacts of those decisions. The negative facets are minimized, and when problems arise, the city is not quick or effective in remedying the issues. This sentiment comes from the . kki L' I Utt �Vt,�ltb CDwvv experience we are having with odor mitigation problems from the cannabis cultivation facilities in this neighborhood. The city approved permits for these cultivation facilities without considering the negative impact it would have on the existing homes and businesses. It is clear there was no plan in place to remedy the negative issues that now affect our residents and businesses, as this problem has been ongoing since 2018. The homeless problem in Baristo Park had to reach a crisis point before the city would intervene. We have worked for many years building our business and reputation. We should not be subjected to the same environment of increased crime and drug use that the residents adjacent to Baristo Park have been living next to. It is unfair to expect us to endure yet another hardship because the city officials feel the McCarthy Road location is best because it will be the easiest to retrofit. We cannot afford to have a hasty decision made to move forward with this project without placing the same level of importance on the problems that will arise from this center as you will place on its benefits. There needs to be a clearly stated plan in place for how the city can and will remedy the negative aspects before they approve the center. We ask that a thorough and comprehensive impact study be completed before making a final decision on the location. The effects, both negative and positive, on the residential and commercial community adjacent to this center must be considered before any permanent decisions are made. We cannot afford for our neighborhood to become another Baristo Park. Again, we agree that a homeless navigation center is needed, and should be a priority. We just do not feel placing it on McCarthy Road is good for the residents and businesses in the adjacent community. Thank you for your consideration. Regards, Cindy and Michael Arcaro Anthony Mejia From: Cindy Arcaro <arcarosautobodyrepair@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:20 PM To: City Clerk Subject: McCarthy Road Proposed Homeless Navigation Center Attachments: McCarthy Road Proposed Homeless Navigation Center.pdf NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. We are attaching a letter we would like submitted as a public comment to the City Council regarding the proposed site for the homeless navigation center. My husband Mike and I are unable to attend the meeting and would like our comments to be considered. Thank you. Cindy A. Arcaro, Vice President Arcaro's Auto Body Repair, Inc. (760) 325-6400 IT'w NO. � �_ Anthony Mejia From: Octarui Smith <omsmoniq@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:54 PM To: City Clerk Subject: City Letter NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. City Letter City of Palm Springs, CA To whom it may concern: For many years the city of Palm Springs has elected to use a Desert Highland Gateway Estates neighborhood as a dump site. The city of Palm Springs continues to use the neighborhood as a trial -based environment for anything that they don't see fit for their city, it's as if they say, "oh let's just dump it out there by the north end and let's see what happens". They take no regard to the fact that that is a family -based neighborhood contrary to what they want the public to believe. There are children and elderly people that reside in this neighborhood. As of today on record no child has come up missing from our neighborhood. Even with all of the transitions and diversity that is taking place in the north end of Palm Springs we are still family and we have to protect our family against all the tactics that the city of Palm Springs throw at us. We the community had to stand up against the city who didn't mind overflowing our nearby areas with marijuana dispensary type businesses. The smell of marijuana that infiltrated in our neighborhood was very impactful on the air quality in our area. The city of Palm Springs tried to put a homeless type shelter once before by way of utilizing shared building space at Palm Springs First Baptist Church on Rosa Parks Road. Even with there being several altercations with the people that live in the neighborhood as well as negative interactions with children at school bus stops with those participants of the shelter, the City of PS still did not see need for intervention. It required local residence in the area to bring to their attention about building code infractions. The Desert Highland Gateway Estates barely had the resources it city support to handle the social disparities and disadvantages that already. For the City of Palm Springs to want to integrate our neighborhood with a variable that can potentially be dangerous and creat harmful situations is them saying and showing that they don't care about our neighborhood. The roots of this original neighborhood was displace from the Indian Reservation, they migrated the blacks to the end of the city. Now they are so composed with the Mountain View and the richness the area now holds, I wonder if this is a ploy tactic to regain The Desert Highland Gateway Estates (was previously known as the north end) because they want the area back. The City of PS owns land all over how about y'all find another area to pick on, cause we have had more than our fair share! More so help with the price of rent and cost of housing before you will have to make two homeless compounds, The Haves (working people struggling to pay rent or secure housing) and The Have Nots (y'all know them, the ones you trying to dump in DEsert Highland Gateway Estates)! I vote NO!! OMSmith , k k � Li) So-&t It' C b MYV%V14_ TT'GCO. 5b— Anthony Mejia From: Zhane Abner <zhanea28@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:40 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless Navigation Center #NO! INOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. As a resident of the Desert Highland Gateway Estates community, Im in complete opposition of the development of a Homeless Navigation Center establishment being located at 3589 McCarthy in Palm Springs, CA. The location would place thousands in the back yard of a residential catering mostly to women and children of lower income families. This proposal could potentially impact these fragile residents . This location is also too close to a neighborhood already plagued with extreme disturbances . The past two years alone we've ( The community of Desert Highland Gateway Estates) experienced a higher volume of violent crimes. These crimes range from ( but aren't limited to) homicides, assault, theft, and robbery. Palm Springs citizen reports increasing volumes of disturbances , trash , violent crimes , mental illness , substance abuse/ substance induced psychosis due to the unhoused populations . I know this is all In effort to clean up some parts of the city , but This proposal is a bad fit for a community already battling these disturbances daily . To add to that would be an extreme disservice to My community. I strongly oppose the Homeless Navigation Center location being at 3589 McCarthy in Palm Springs , Ca. I strongly suggest looking into other cities as well . Best Regards, CADC II NVIc c0 mmu - Anthony Mejia From: Celeste Brackley <celeste.brackley@acehotel.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:02 PM To: City Clerk Subject: In Support of the New Navigation Center for the Homeless INOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, I am writing in support of you moving forward with one of the two selected venues to help out with the homeless issues in Palm Springs. The problem with the number of homeless people on the streets of Palm Springs has become worse over the last two years and I believe that one of the two proposed locations will help alleviate at least some of that. Sincerely, Celeste CELESTE M.BRACKLEY GENERAL MANAGER ACE HOTEL & SWIM CLUB 701 E PALM CANYON DRIVE PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264 O: 760.866.6186 T:760.325.9900 ACEHOTEL.COM READER.ACEHOTEL.COM h1(4)202� ��}J 1 G (0myyW*14_ Anthony Mejia From: Lars Viklund <lv90266@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:59 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Agenda item #56 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please get the beds in ASAP so you can start kicking the vagrants off the streets. I don't think they will use the beds ... but please get them off the streets. I have invested tens of millions of dollars in Palm Springs and cleaning up the city of the vagrants should be the city's number one priority. Also.. can you please pass a law that would require every bike rider to have a bicycle license? The vagrants have stolen 14 bikes from me this year alone .... I see them riding them around town but the police will not get them back from the vagrants. Maybe this could help w bicycle theft? Lars Viklund Owner The Del Marcos Hotel La Serena Villas The Three Fifty Hotel Azucar Restaurant Whispers Spa The Orleans Apartments and Retail Shops �41i ITT-1114 NO. Anthony Mejia From: Stephanie Craik <s_craik@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:08 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Public Comment RE Homeless Navigation Center INOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Attention Palm Springs City Council: I would like to submit my comment in opposition of the Homeless Navigation Center located on McCarthy Road. For years the Desert Highland Gateway Estates (DHGE) neighborhood has struggled to find its footing after being thrown out by the city in the 1960's. More recently the community has made great strides to make our voices heard and request resources useful for the citizens that live here. We have asked for grocery stores and supported College of the Desert building an extension campus (that never happened), NOT more gas stations/liquor stores and homeless shelters. Building a homeless center in our neighborhood is not the resources we have asked for and would further put the health and safety of our families who are already underserved at risk. I understand that no one wants this "problem" in their backyards, but why must we go through this every few years to oppose a homeless center in the DHGE neighborhood - how many times do we have to say NO! It's time to start thinking outside the box. We have several vacant buildings throughout Palm Springs. Could serves be split up throughout the city so not one single neighborhood has to deal with this issue? DHGE already has a weekly food distribution, a mental health clinic or employment resource office might benefit the homeless as well as the surrounding neighborhoods - but not an entire shelter. I look forward to seeing the Council come to a solution that is best for the entire city and not just the affluent neighborhoods. Respectfully, Stephanie Craik (Resident of DHGE) �i Iq lqo-Lf I► t (Vol TTENI NO. 6 )b Anthony Mejia From: Dixie Miller <dixie.miller@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:12 PM To: Anthony Mejia Subject: 11-04-2021 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. 110"'04"2021 TO: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RE: HOMELESS NAVIGATION CENTER The Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community is a community that has a lot of different nationalities living in it at this time. It's a community that is striving to live in peace. We have overcame a lot of problems that originated from decisions the was made in the past by the City of Palm Springs, especially the cannabis situation that has infiltrated the community,with way to many in the area. We have fought to keep the homeless problem out of the community, because of various problems that comes with homelessness in a community such as Desert Highland. I am amazed that we're having a conversation about putting a Homeless Navigation Center so close to the community knowing the history, that really sheds the light on the decision making people who say they have the best interests of the community at heart. ACTION speaks louder than WORDS. I do feel bad for the homeless, the City needs to work harder in locating a better home for the homeless. For many reasons including safety that location is not a good idea! Think logical before making a decision on the location of the Homeless Navigation Center. Thanking You In Advance For Making The Right Decision! Former President Dixie Miller G[ N lml �Wb�i CoVgWIC+ — DESERT HIGHLAND GATEWAY ESTATES November 3, 2021 To: Palm Springs City Council RE: POTENTIAL HOMELESS NAVIGATION CENTER AT 3589 MCCARTHY ROAD We understand there's a big need for Homeless Services all over the country, and our city is not exempt. However the Desert Highland Gateway Estates area is not a good fit. As a community It has its own problems with substance abuse, mental health and violence. While we don't want to seem discriminatory or insensitive to the issue at hand, the idea that bringing in more citizens with these same types of issues on top of displacement makes absolutely no sense and is quite frankly asinine to put it mildly. Palm Springs residents and businesses report worsening problems including increasing rates of disturbance, trash, violence, mental illness and substance abuse due to the unhoused population. To even consider putting a navigation center within a 1 mile radius of our neighborhood could not have possibly been thoroughly evaluated. The City pushes all the less desirable projects to this area. We are essentially a dumping ground, and we have had enough. Cannabis Facilities, Liquor Stores and Convenient Stores are all that seem "worthy" of our residents to patronize. Our area is a food desert, no grocery stores, pharmacies, or banks. We are in desperate need of establishments to stabilize our community, not hinder it further. It's like red -lining and de facto segregation to put the homeless services facility out here. This is "NIMBYism at its finest". The City claims to be Inclusive, diverse, and equitable but none of that is evident in the north end of town. The site is immediately adjacent to both single-family and multifamily residential uses and two Federally Subsidized Apartment Complexes (120 Units & 57 Units). Basically the families and their children were not even a thought of during this process, and are "expendable" in the eyes of The City. This is honestly a slap in the face and realization of what the City of Palm Springs thinks of us on this end of town. �(kbllcl amftV*4 DESERT H G LAND GATEWAY ESTATES The proposed facility will also be in the middle of the 2 main entrances to our "fair" city, between Highway 111 and Indian Canyon Drive. With the amount of traffic fatalities that we have had on these roads as a result of no stop lights, should give the city pause as to what more tragedies can be faced in the future. Staff report says "This site is close to public transportation served by Sunline Transit Route 4 along Rosa Parks Road." that will give the homeless direct access to travel directly through our neighborhood which ultimately causes us to worry about our "Quality of life". There are several locations around the city that would be more accommodating and safer with regard to adjacent neighborhoods. Located near Social Services, Healthcare Facilities, Grocery Stores, Public Transportation, Etc. Thanks for your time and consideration Respectfully, Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Action Association Anthony Mejia From: Robi Guillen <th3rmOdynam1c@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:18 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless Navigation Center location INOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this email as a concerned citizen and resident of Palm Springs. I reside at the Palm Springs View Apartment complex located in very close proximity to where the proposed Homeless Navigation Center is going to be. I am opposed to this as it would negatively impact the neighborhood and quality of life for the people who live here, especially those with families that have small children. In recent years Palm Springs residents and businesses report worsening problems including increasing rates of disturbance, trash, violence, mental illness, substance abuse, and vandalism due to the unhoused population. Please consider a different location other than 3589 McCarthy Road, as it would introduce many dangerous elements to the surrounding neighborhood. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Sincerely, R Guillen it I Li 17t-tl ITTEM MCA. 6 " 4J Anthony Mejia From: Kathy Strijek <kathystrijek@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 4:19 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Navigation center. INOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. We are vehemently opposed to the McCarthy road location. This is next to residential areas already struggling with rising crime. Gun shots are heard so often, it is almost expected. This is no way to live. You can't lump all the homeless into one group and one location. They need to be assimilated throughout the valley. 1. Those families or individuals who have fallen on hard financial times should be offered apartments, paying their rent for a year or two would be a lot less expensive then spending multi -millions of dollars buying and renovating property. This gives them the help and time they need to get back up on their feet. 2. The mentally ill should be in a medical facility. Are you planning on staffing the Navigation center with mental health professionals 24/7 ? 3.The drug addicts should be in rehab or jail. Thank you for your time, Kathy Strijek G q I Uz( PW G God u�Y ITEM NO. Anthony Mejia From: raysharifi@gmail.com Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:41 PM To: Brent Rasi Cc: City Clerk Subject: RE: Submitting Public Comment, on selection of San Rafeal for Homeless Center NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Hi, I own a units in Villas 1 and Villas 2 community. I oppose considering San Rafeal for building such a center. Reasons for opposition: 1- We have two such centers in the vicinity of our community. 2- Our community (villas 1 and 2) are overloaded with crimes associated with homeless living close by. 3- Homeless are often roaming both villas 1 and 2. Day and night. They have broken into vacant units. 4- Due to closeness of communities to existing homeless centers, often we see drug trafficking in or around our community. 5- We have not been notified about tonight meeting at City of Palm Springs. We learned about it earlier today. Respectfully, A.R. Sharifi From: Brent Rasi <Brent.Rasi @pa lmspringsca.gov> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 12:56 PM To: raysharifi@gmail.com Subject: Submitting Public Comment Good afternoon, As requested from our phone conversation, you may reply to this email with your public comment or email your public comment directly to the City Clerk with the email below. cityclerk@paImsprinasca. aov Thank you, Brent Rasi Deputy City Clerk City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-323-8284 L�(41242( �W b I c, co VYU' rtA- other use of, or taking of any action by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the information from your system and contact the sender. Anthony Mejia From: Susan <destoseaproperties@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:36 PM To: City Clerk; CityManager; Geoff Kors Subject: Homeless Navagation center choices NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. November 4 2021 City clerk, city manager, Mayor, City Council, Geoff Kors district. Re Nov 4 2021 Homeless Navagation Center council meeting. Please place matter on hold, open matter for public to suggest sites for homeless navigation center locations. NOTE: there are a number of 4 to 5 acre or greater parcels, there are a number of buildings, apartments with vacant parcels contiguous for additions. Desert Highlands area neighbors do not want McCarthy, Ramon rd commercial appears over priced and unsuitable to cover resources center, manufacture or pre fab housing options on site or nearby. Let's postpone or table a decision for now going out 2 to 3 months to allow for searching, public suggestions, input, feedback. Publish the search, let residents know you are open to their providing input, feedback.Put the word out in the city & community. The City Council has come up with unsuitable options with the hotel in bankruptcy; then the mini market that Desert Higlands residents rep. Dieter Crawford has let you know residents, citizenry dislike -they requested grocery store; not gas station/mini market stop & go. It is time to reach out to residents to see what they can do to assist in the process of locating. Request here is made to postpone, invest time & energy in more study, more searches. Residents may have good input. "Haste makes waste on this." Bring this back in Feb or March after holidays. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter Sincerely, Susan Smith �wb �I G WM ITEIVf NO. 6 )�) -- November 4, 2021 To: Palm Springs City Council Re: Proposed Homeless Navigation Center in District 1 Homelessness impacts the entire city, whether directly or indirectly. Homeless is not a problem. It results from numerous issues woven together into a human catastrophe and a social devastation that sometimes pertains to struggles with addiction and/or mental illness. It has been known that most of the crime surrounding homeless centers involve loitering, vandalism, trespassing, theft, and or drug use. We, as the City of Palm Springs, recently witnessed the closure of Baristo Park because the of the unsafe activity conducted by the homeless as a direct result of the migration from The Well in the Desert location that caused the community members to experience the environmental impact. As a resident of the Desert Highland Gateway Estates community, I do not support the development of a Homeless Navigation Center establishment being placed at 3589 McCarthy in Palm Springs, CA. The proposed location is too close to neighborhoods that consist of single and multifamily residents, schools, and parks. A majority of the residents have lived in the area for generations, and this establishment would have a negative impact on all of the residents, as they consist primarily of adolescents and the elderly. I urge you to please analyze the surroundings. As the proposed location on McCarthy is too close of proximity to communities with a current heavy uptick in violent crimes over the last 24 months, from homicides, assault, theft, and robbery. Please do not add fuel to the fire. We need to provide a better location so that the resources can be beneficial to all. With that being said, I totally understand the immediate demand for a location. Please seek other industrial locations throughout the city that has more potential to be a prime location for this type of establishment as the area have the infrastructure for the development to be successful. Remember that locations has a "HUGE" part of the success of a development of this nature. To conclude, I oppose the Homeless Navigation Center development proposed location at 3589 McCarthy in District 1 of Palm Springs. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Anjanae Miller Community Member lI�-j�2ov i Anthony Mejia From: Casha Miller <casha.miller@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:24 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Proposed Homeless Navigation Center in District 1 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. November 4, 2021 To: Palm Springs City Council Re: Proposed Homeless Navigation Center in District 1 As a resident of the Desert Highland Gateway Estates community, I do not support the development of a Homeless Navigation Center establishment being placed at 3589 McCarthy in Palm Springs, CA. The proposed location is too close to neighborhoods which are already experiencing high volume in violent crimes over the last 24 months, from homicides, assault, theft, and robbery. Please do not add something of this nature to a community with its own battles with in. It has already been proving with Well of the Desert this area is not a good fit. With Baristo Park having to close due to homelessness activity providing an unsafe environment we do not think it will be smart or safe for our neighborhood to have to encounter the same issues. 4775 Ramon Rd would be a better fit in a commercial area. I oppose the Homeless Navigation Center development proposed location at 3589 McCarthy in District 1 of Palm Springs. < < Ll I zb( f wbl [ C- 0 h1 Mk n4- rrt�vr ray. Thank you for your time. Casha Miller Community Member Anthony Mejia From: J Alex Gomez <jalexgomez@creativegoodsassociates.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:48 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Public comments for Agenda Item #58 - 11/4/21 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Honorable Mayor, Councilmembers, City Staff and Distinguished Guests, Our home where we have lived in since 2007 has seen our neighborhood and surrounding areas from San Rafael at 111 to Vista Chino and North Palm Canyon Drive, up to Indian and the same cross streets become more alarming, to say the least, with the amount of transient guests and homeless people here in Palm Springs. We live, work and play here in Palm Springs and shop local. While we empathize with the plight of those who have become homeless for whatever reason and believe that the community and our city have to work together to solve the issue. If there is a place where sheltered housing will come to fruition, we would request that consideration be given to a location that is far from the public places we frequent such as the main corridor that stretches from the Desert Highland Gateway to the Design District/Las Palmas Area through Downtown to South Palm Springs/Araby Cove. To us, these are the beautiful spaces that Palm Springs offers its residents and visitors. We would request that whatever transitional housing be placed where it will be beneficial for those whom would be served and away from the action that may keep them from recovering themselves and recoup their ability to integrate with the community at large. Thank you for you time. J. Alex Gomez & Alicia Gomez J. Alex Gomez Chief Brand Advocate Check me out on Linkedln at: httos://www.linkedin.com/in/*alexgomez/ Visit us at creativeeoodsassociates.com 760-702-0448 Legal Disclaimer: The information transmitted may contain confidential material or the intellectual property of Creative Goods Associates, LLC and is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed. Any review, re -transmission, dissemination or III(-f1Zd21 1 FU bl 1(, C ornw► Unt T-, r S 16 G Anthony Mejia From: Karen Braff <klstrong@aol.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 2:39 PM To: City Clerk Cc: Karen Braff Subject: Regarding the proposed Navigation Center for the Homeless in Palm... NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Regarding the proposed Navigation Center for the Homeless in Palm Springs Dear Council: I want to state up front that the homeless are suffering and they need to be treated with respect and compassion. That needs to be acknowledged before any honest discussion about this issue. That said, the pervasive presence of the homeless in our town is negatively affecting the experience of Palm Springs for our visitors and residents alike. People come to Palm Springs for a special time that only we can offer. We're on the cusp of spoiling that and turning people off. And we as residents need to feel safe in our parks with our children, in grocery store parking lots, when walking past open desert and or any other place. We need to feel safe in our homes. And we don't anymore. My hope is that the proposed Navigation Center in addition to actually alleviating the suffering of the homeless, will make it possible for law enforcement to do their job. To enforce the laws to stop loitering and camping in public areas etc. and restore a sense of safety and cleanliness in our city. Regarding the proposed location - the North End. I find it odd that on the heels of the uproar of the alleged offensiveness of the Frank Bogert statue to the black community, that the proposed site of the Nav Center is precisely in their neighborhood! Its the last thing they need. The hard truth is that wherever the Nav center is located - drugs and people who use drugs will be very close by. In addition, if we want to clean up downtown, the placement of the Nav Center should not be a straight and easy shot up the road from Palm Canyon Drive. Please consider the alternate location or another location that has the least impact on residents as well as non proximal to downtown. Thank you for considering my concerns and thank your for taking the homeless situation in our City seriously for everyone! Sincerely, Karen Braff 62 years in PS Sent from my iPhone l()(.(1U fkk CWW4' �- Anthony Mejia From: Jo Beth Prudhomme <jobeth@pvp.11c> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 2:39 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Navigation center INOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. The proposed "Navigation Center" offers a state of the art solution to dealing with the individuals needs and progressing them to long term solutions and permanent housing and jobs. Please help Palm Springs set a precedents for the proper long term solutions while we have the opportunity. Thanks, Jo Beth Prudhomme Get Outlook for iOS IllLq 1Z0Z( rtfl2l i c. co yv"fq-- FMM tv®� 0 Anthony Mejia From: Monique Lomeli Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 1:55 PM To: Anthony Mejia Subject: Public Comment Voicemail Joy White is strongly opposed to putting the navigation center in the north end of town. She does not want it in her neighborhood and believes there is plenty of room in other parts of the City. Monique M. Lomeli, CMC Chief Deputy City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 T: 760.323.8204x8356 F: 760.322.8332 I( 912671 �-- rmv ��. Anthony Mejia To: City of Palm Springs Subject: RE: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs From: City of Palm Springs <palmspringsca@enotify.visioninternet.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 2:47 PM To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Anthony Mejia <Anthony.Mejia @palmspringsca.gov> Subject: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs Full Name/Nombre Simone Sandoval City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia Palm Springs, Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) Email (optional/opcional) simisandoval@gmail.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios As a Palm Springs resident (Baristo) I am writing to express that I am unsupportive of the plan to establish a navigation center near/in the Desert Highlands Gateway Estates Neighborhood or near North PS residential neighborhoods. This is an area that has historically been affected by racially discriminatory policies this City has placed upon it and is still living with the ramifications of those actions. Placing a center in the area is going to produce the same issues the City cited as reasons for closing down Well in the Desert. Please consider all your residents, especially those who live here year round and don't have the finances to spend on luxury items like security systems/cameras. Thank you, City of Palm Springs This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email. Wullwl QWVIC c omwticv+ 56 Anthonv Meiia From: Merritt Paul <merrittmaster@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 2:45 PM To: City Clerk Cc: Jennie Tidwell; Alexus Pavia; Jim Lewis; Tex August; Ricardo Sereno; Nancy Gesimondo; Phil Barboni; Desert Cities HOA Council; Dan Parlow; Briant Patterson; Patricia Halman- Menne Subject: city COUNCIL Agenda Nov. 4th 2021 5 b PAUL Merrritt Villas 1 hoa NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Greetings MAYOR / COUNCIL and CITY of Palm Springs, I am grateful our CITY CLERK has assisted in communication about this above HOMELESS item [ 5 b]. we only heard of the proposed review for the site on San Rafael st. next to our 300 condo units known as VILLAS 1 HOA... six hours ago. we have not been noticed and the property has not been posted for any proposal. our Association is already severely impacted with Homeless and low cost housing situations. For example we have rented to the COUNTY several inside condo units... for the homeless. These folks have proven to be very bad neighbors, dirty and violators of rules. Taxpayers are paying their fines. Second two ''projects' of great size are already located near our planned condo community. Today ive had to call on their dis-respectful dumping upon our adjacent public streets. Third we [association] suffer repeated homeless crime [eg break-ins, car theft and looting of catalytic converters ] by HOMELESS FOLKS. They currently lounge on our common area green belt and wash laundry in our pools. WE are over -burdened with this terrible social plight. DO not consider this site in NORTH PALM SPRINGS. Lastly it appears the item 5 b was not appropriately scheduled; as we learned this morning our SAN RAFAEL SITE was reduced from 5 to now just our area and another. we urge the CITY terminate this HOMELESS Support concept. IT is a terrible plan. WE support an orderly and friendly and beautiful PALM SPRINGS. CHEERS PAUL Merritt cell 949 249 249 2 �IvV nf ' it I. COMWt l -TT,�AVi2iC3. Lilacl9, LP 9034 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Telephone (310) 247-0900 • Fax (310) 247-1525 November 4, 2021 City of Palm Springs 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Attention: Mayor Christy Holstege (Christy.Holstege@palmspdngsca.gov) City Council Member Grace Garner (Grace. Garner@palmspringsca.gov) City Council Member Dennis Woods(Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov) City Council Member Geoff Kors (Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov) City Council Member Lisa Middleton (Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov) City Manager Justin Clifton (CityManager@palmspringsca.gov) City Clerk Anthony Mejia (CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov) Re: Potential Homeless Services Center at 4775 Ramon Road Ladies and Gentlemen: I am writing to respectfully oppose the proposal to place a Homeless Services Center at 4775 Ramon Road in Palm Springs. As the developer, manager and owner of 5200 East Ramon Road in Palm Springs we know that this proposed homeless facility will create a security burden and public nuisance for not only our property but for the surrounding shopping centers. Each center has a large public parking lot accommodating a large concentration of cars and retail customers and there is a tremendous potential for problems at all of the parking lots. The decision makers for the new Starbucks and Raising Cane's restaurant recently approved for the Destination Ramon Center would not have considered locating there had they been aware a homeless center would be located nearby. The security issues at the Starbucks near Sunny Dunes and Palm Canyon is an example of what can happen. The proposed homeless facility at this location is counter to the Goals, Policies and Actions in the Palm Springs General Plan. Land uses at the proposed location are supposed to foster commercial and retail to benefit the Palm Springs economy; locating a homeless facility at the above location is counter to that goal. Gene Autry and Ramon Road is the intersection of two of the most used gateways to Palm Springs. A homeless facility is not the right land use choice for the community. There must be a superior location for the City's homeless services. Page 1 of 2 TrERq NO. 5 V Homelessness is a major issue and we all need to seek solutions. However, using 4775 Ramon for a homeless center is not the answer. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss further. Thank you. Very truly yours, Lilac19, LP � P Diane P. Leckner, Administrator Page 2 of 2 Anthony Mejia From: Flinn Fagg Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:10 PM To: City Clerk Subject: FW: Support for the Navigation Center NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. November 4, 2021 Madam Mayor and Honorable Members of the City Council My name is Kathy Weremiuk, I am writing today on item 5(b) in support of the city building a navigation center, and building it quickly while financing is available. Homeless people living on our streets have created serious problems for our businesses, our residents, and tourists, as well as for the homeless themselves who often live in inhumane conditions without bathroom, and bathing facilities and access to food. A navigation center will provide temporary shelter, longer term shelter, meals, clothing and rap around services to help homeless individuals get back on their feet. Because it will be staffed on a 24 hour basis, it will be very different from a drop in center like the Well in The Desert, and in need not have a negative impact the local community. My career involved financing permanent housing for the chronically homeless and the homeless mentally ill. I have seen first hand successful and well run navigation centers like Father toes Village in San Diego and Martha's Village and Kitchen in Indio that were a benefit to their communities. Respectfully, Kathy Weremiuk ITEM NO. Anthony Mejia To: City of Palm Springs Subject: RE: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs From: City of Palm Springs <palmspringsca@enotify.visioninternet.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 20213:12 PM To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Anthony Mejia <Anthony.Mejia @palmspringsca.gov> Subject: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs Full Name/Nombre Karen Braff City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia Palm Springs, Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) 7604137983 Email (optional/opcional) klstrong@aol.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios I want to state up front that the homeless are suffering and they need to be treated with respect and compassion. My hope is that the proposed Navigation Center in addition to actually alleviating the suffering of the homeless, will make it possible for law enforcement to do their job. To enforce the laws to stop loitering and camping in public areas etc. and restore a sense of safety and cleanliness in our city. Regarding the proposed location - the North End. I find it odd that on the heels of the uproar of the alleged offensiveness of the Frank Bogert statue to the black community, that the proposed site of the Nav Center is precisely in their neighborhood! Its the last thing they need. The hard truth is that wherever the Nav center is located - drugs and people who use drugs will be very close by. In addition, if we want to clean up downtown, the placement of the Nav Center should not be a straight and easy shot up Palm Canyon Drive. Thank you, City of Palm Springs This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email. `1 I q I'VV 0AA01 I G uby"-Mk ' — ITEM NO. 6 VD- Anthony Mejia From: Dominique Fruchtman <dom@escapeps.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:13 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Public comments re: Homeless issue URGENT NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. To the City Council of Palm Springs: Over the summer, I was physically assaulted by a mentally ill homeless man in my place of business. Despite that, I am not without sympathy. They need our help! But without beds and housing, the city's hands are tied by Federal law from prohibiting people from sleeping on streets and sometimes private property. The streets are not proper shelter for human habitation. Won't you please take immediate action and choose one of the two locations immediately and finally give the residents and businesses of Palm Springs some relief from this age-old and ongoing blight on our fair city? Tourists come here for an escape and homeless people need our assistance. Let's give tourists the paradise they seek, and offer the homeless the help they deserve. Sincerely. Dominique Fruchtman Palm Springs Business Owner Dominique Fruchtman, SPHR, DTM, LSSBB Owner Escape Room Palm Springs 760-779-8888 1tlg1 �Vz,� �1n1b1 i C, Cbr�m�n�— rrEM NO. Lilacl9, LP 9034 W. Sunsd Blvd, West Hollywood CA 90069 Telephone (310) 247-0900 • Fax (310) 247-1525 November 4, 2021 City of Palm Springs 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Attention: Mayor Christy Holstege (Christy.Holstege@palmspdngsca.gov) City Council Member Grace Garner(Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov) City Council Member Dennis Woods(Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov) City Council Member Geoff Kors (Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov) City Council Member Lisa Middleton (Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov) City Manager Justin Clifton (CityManager@paimspringsca.gov) City Clerk Anthony Mejia (CityClerk@palmspdngsca.gov) Re: Potential Homeless Services Center at 4775 Ramon Road Ladies and Gentlemen: I am writing to respectfully oppose the proposal to place a Homeless Services Center at 4775 Ramon Road in Palm Springs. As the developer, manager and owner of 5200 East Ramon Road in Palm Springs we know that this proposed homeless facility will create a security burden and public nuisance for not only our property but for the surrounding shopping centers. Each center has a large public parking lot accommodating a large concentration of cars and retail customers and there is a tremendous potential for problems at all of the parking lots. The decision makers for the new Starbucks and Raising Cane's restaurant recently approved for the Destination Ramon Center would not have considered locating there had they been aware a homeless center would be located nearby. The security issues at the Starbucks near Sunny Dunes and Palm Canyon is an example of what can happen. The proposed homeless facility at this location is counter to the Goals, Policies and Actions in the Palm Springs General Plan. Land uses at the proposed location are supposed to foster commercial and retail to benefit the Palm Springs economy; locating a homeless facility at the above location is counter to that goal. Gene Autry and Ramon Road is the intersection of two of the most used gateways to Palm Springs. A homeless facility is not the right land use choice for the community. There must be a superior location for the City's homeless services. Page 1 of 2 l�lCIl 21 UUM NO. Anthony Mejia From: Denis Mikolaycik <denismik@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:24 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless camp near San Rafael INOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. In regards to the proposed rehab center, I understand the shelters now are only at 60% capacity, Why do we need more? Sent from Mail for Windows Anthony Mejia From: Richard Allegra <rallegra@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:23 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Commenting on Item 5.b. on Palm Springs City Council Agenda for November 4, 2021 NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mayor and City Council, I'm sending a quick comment about agenda item 5.b. regarding the proposed location for the homelessness navigation center. I'm glad that you are considering a number of possible places for this important service. After hearing the presentation and looking at the documents from the last City Council meeting, I wonder if it would be feasible to use two locations for the navigation center and temporary housing. Would it work to use both the 4775 E. Ramon property and the empty E. Ramon Road property across the street? The existing building at 4775 could house some or all of the services such as job counseling, placement, etc. that were presented, while the empty property could be used for the temporary housing units, playground, pet relief, etc. that were proposed. Since the two locations are close to each other it wouldn't seem to be a burden for the Navigation Center staff to go back and forth as needed. The empty parcel would allow for greater flexibility in the design and build of the housing; they could even create two-story structures to house additional people. Both locations are ideal in terms of transit and nearby services and business as well. Those are just some thoughts that came to mind while listening to your discussion. Thank you for taking my comment. Richard Allegra 2238 N Sunshine Circle Palm Springs, CA 92264 raIlegra(a)gmail. com L4 1,wz� �Owlo I i c Camrq,r+- ITEM NO. V Anthony Mejia From: Monique Lomeli Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 12:52 PM To: Anthony Mejia Subject: Public Comment By Phone Richard Rodriguez, resident on Eastgate Road, opposed to the navigation center on McCarthy Road as he believes it will negatively impact the neighborhood. Please choose a different site. Monique M. Lomeli, CMC Chief Deputy City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 T: 760.323.8204x8356 F: 760.322.8332 Li J'U-Z k UEM NO. v Anthony Mejia From: Nancy Manuel <nancym411 @yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 10:41 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless compound NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Sent from my iPhoneplease do not build this structure in the community where families with children live. There are many spaces in the desert to put this compound that are away from children, and yet close to bus and food facilities!! Do not build on the North end, my granddaughters live in those apartments next to the designated spot and I fear for their safety and all those families there. wbl i G CDYv�� UEM NO, Anthony Mejia From: Monique Lomeli Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 12:38 PM To: Anthony Mejia Subject: Public Comment Voicemail Anonymous Caller - opposed to the navigation center in Palm Springs. Monique M. Lomeli, CMC Chief Deputy City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 T: 760.323.8204x8356 F: 760.322.8332 I l I L'( I -n Zk Fw b I G Co 1�men� rr1EM A,®. G Anthony Mejia From: Monique Lomeli Sent: Thursday, November 4, 2021 12:32 PM To: Anthony Mejia Subject: Public Comment Received by Phone Margie Graham does not want the navigation center at the proposed sites. Monique M. Lomeli, CMC Chief Deputy City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 T: 760.323.8204x8356 F: 760.322.8332 1IgIZoZ( �b1iG Go UEM NO. — Anthony Mejia From: Mark Coleman <markdcoleman@comcast.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 8:56 PM To: Anthony Mejia Subject: Council remarks NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Council, I am writing to offer my support for the navigation center to be constructed on the McCarthy site. With the existing structures in place, I believe it would allow for the center to be open faster -which is imperative! It also has more land to allow for future expansion, without the need for relocation, as we saw in the day center debacle. It is cruel to leave the homeless on the streets month after month and the situation has gotten out of control, it's time to take action! Mark Coleman P.O. Box 4975 Palm Springs, CA 92263 I l � q J-202A whlIC,CorV ITEM NO. Anthony Mejia From: Brenda N. Arriaga <bnavarrete046@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 5:09 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless center NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. We are in opposition of this homeless center as we already have problems where we have to contact police very often In advance thank you for your attention to my email Sent from my iPhone ?U)01 � G C.O1M M-A\ ITEM MO. 5 Anthony Mejia From: Gregory Wagoner < gwagoner08@yahoo.com > Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 12:15 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Prerequisite to Success NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. As the former Chief Medical Officer for the largest homeless program in the country (Boston), I have witnessed initiatives that both fail and succeed. Strong, accessible support services are essential if the goal is long-term stability and housing. The list of services is long, and many such services are listed in documents that the city has already made public. I will only touch on my expertise, health care. Most people who find themselves on the street have significant health care issues - issues that have not been addressed for many reasons. As all of you know, a large percentage of these folks have significant impacts relating to chronic medical conditions, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders. Any attempt to move toward the goal of stable housing must include highly accessible, high quality treatment for all of these conditions. Often this requires outreach, such as our 24/7 medical outreach, multi -disciplinary teams in Boston. And the access needed must include all 'levels' of care - street outreach, clinic, in -patient, rehab, and preferable respite care (such as post -acute care usually rendered by family or in a home with visiting providers). So many conditions that are nearly absolute barriers to stability are not among the list of qualified acute care admissions, and another level of 24/7 care is so important in the care categories. To accomplish this, there must be partnering with strong, dedicated, trusted partners - hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient providers. Many cities, such as Boston, have federally funded Health Care for the Homeless Programs that vary dramatically but serve as a linchpin in this partnering. In Boston we do everything except acute care, and for that we have partnered with both Harvard and Boston University facilities. Our doctors are even members of their staff, while mostly practicing within our own facilities. PARTNERING is so essential, at all levels. Many of our two dozen clinic sites re within partners' facilities - shelters, day navigation centers, etc. Services such a job training or temporary housing are important, but for the majority of homeless adults meeting their health care needs must come first - or at least concurrently. Right now the economic and social moments that we as a nation are experiencing is a strong headwind. And even in a highly developed system such as Boston, the struggle to keep up is so very real. But please, please consider the importance of an integrated system of strong partners all dedicated to the same difficult goal. People are saved from the despair of the street, and each life matters. Gregory Wagoner, M.D., M.B.A. 675 W. Stevens Road ,1,�C,1In ITEM NO. 5 PARTNERSHIP Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern and City Council: We, on behalf of Inland Equity Partnership, do not support the placement of a navigation center at 3589 Mc Carthy Road and 4775 East Ramon Road. To avoid a further concentration of poverty and the appearance of NIMBYISM, Inland Equity Partnership encourages the City of Palm Springs to locate the new navigation center in an area that has not been an area of historic segregation and concentration of poverty. Perhaps a site like the lot on E. Sunny Dunes Rd, between S. Belardo Rd and S. Palm Canyon, which is currently zoned for C-2 (which includes mixed use) and so, after the adoption of the new housing element, would be ideal as no conditional use permit will be required. Building a navigation center at the proposed site would negate the city's apology for a history of segregation, dislocation and historical racism within the African American community. The city has an obligation to help build community wealth in the areas where there is a history of the concentration of poverty. We stand in support of Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Action Association not supporting this navigation center. Best, Maribel Nunez Inland Equity Partnership, Executive Director (562) 569-4051 Ili I R-,7( 61�(,( ITEM NO. Anthony Mejia From: Brian Yaklich <bdyaklich@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 2:22 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Public Comment - Item NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mayor and City Council, The homeless crisis and reduced housing stock in Palm Springs and the greater valley area needs your attention now! I ask you to support the proposed Navigation Center to assist homelessness issues and support. It will be an effective tool to reduce people living on the streets while improving life here for all. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Brian Yaklich Sent from my iPhone Wp 1 G Cv mrwrZrtf rMMX0. 6 - Anthony Mejia From: r levy <ronitrlevy@hotmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 9:31 AM To: City Clerk Subject: "Navigation Center' NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I am writing today to object to placing a "Navigation Center" within any area next to residential homes and if you must place it back to back with a residential area may I respectfully suggest you look for space near Vista Las Palmas or Movie Colony or back where the Well of the Desert was. There the residents and business have access to funds we in the north end don't to secure their homes and businesses and keep them safe from the transients that will mull around whatever location you put this in! Intended sarcasm of course! Seriously not okay to repeat history and suggest moving this very serious problem from a predominantly affluent white area to a predominantly financially struggling black/brown area! The North end has been neglected and has its own issues and as an owner do several properties there my tenants have been shot at and I've had to deal with mentally ill of their own homeless camping and dumping and starting fires on my property! Maybe you need to rethink this "Navigation Center" altogether or explain why you would even consider this strategy when you closed the Well in Downtown Palm Springs for the reasons I stated. Seems you are just moving the problem away from the tourist are and now to the most vulnerable area of the city! That is just wrong! You need an army for that area now without this proposed center!! I respectfully request that you rethink your approach to the problem. First it's critical to not lump those folks/families who truly lost their homes aka "the homeless" with the folks sleeping on the streets in Palm Springs. They are not the same! It's critical to provide residents in Palm Springs in danger of loosing a roof over their head with support before they loose their home not after and office inside city hall can help residents of Palm Springs only with that problem. Second, immediately stop calling transient or the mentally ill living on the streets homeless. Seems like Semantics but it isn't - it's mission critical! It's 2 different communities with 2 completely different needs. In the past they may have been the same but no more and you all know it. Third, don't go it alone - it won't work we are way to close to each other and Palm Springs isn't responsible for transients who come from Colorado or Coachella. join forces with all Coachella Valley cities and create ONE group one location to serve all cities! Then you can place that location in a remote commercial area so you can properly supervise the surroundings areas where those transients who "choose" living on the streets because of their mental state can be vetted and returned to the shelter and not live under trees in residential areas. Pooling resources will allow you to get more help for mental illness, housing/rehoming, job training/acquisition and all of the other social services this one specific group needs safely. This will also provide police a place to take people other than ERs and get 5150s when it's hot out so they have 3 days of AC where they go now costing taxpayers a fortune. I saw it at Desert Regional when I took my husband who wasn't feeling well to the ER. l I I C4 IZ(D2 GU rrff*-4lJ ITEM No. I'm the interim, you can build a medical/social worker team that is remote and can go to them and assess/address their current needs so they don't pose a threat to others until you build this thing and then after to serve those who refuse to be housed. The problems you are trying to fix are only going to get worse. I've spoke to Mayor Moon about it when he was Mayor and we are still in the same place or worse. Please please please take a step back create a commission of residents and let's work on a true solution and set an example of how to fix this for others. I'm happy to help in anyway I can. All the best, Ronit Levy Cell: 818-585-4052 Anthony Mejia From: michele johnson <33mich@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 11:44 AM To: City Clerk Subject: support for McCarthy site NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are !I sure the content is safe. City Council, I'd just like to give my support for the McCarthy site for the homeless center. It seems like most fiscally responsible solution with the best layout for all necessary services. Michele Johnson PS ��Ub1 i G Comrrter lYEM NG. v� Anthony Mejia From: Kevin Kennedy <jetlaggedone@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 12:05 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Proposed Drug Treatment Facility on MCarthy Street NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, It is with very serious concern that I write you regarding your proposal to place a drug treatment facility in my neighborhood. Those of us who live in the north part of Palm Springs are tired of being treated as a convenient dumping ground for the city's use. Miralon has just spent a fortune trying in investment in our community. The last thing that helps is a drug treatment facility - and all of the associated problems - in a neighborhood coming into its own. Maybe our neighbors in Central or South Palm Springs would like to chip in and help with a site near them? That would be a first. I can only imagine the uproar you would hear. I understand these facilities are necessary. But, in or near a residential neighborhood is not acceptable. Thank you for your consideration. I would very much appreciate a response. Sincerely, Kevin Kennedy Sundance II Palm Springs Sent from my iPad ?�1 i C ITEM NO. 6 13 Anthonv Meiia From: Francoise Aylmer <francoise.aylmer@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 3:20 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Totally opposed to the proposed location of the Navigation Center and the costly risks to residents and the city NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, As a homeowner and would be neighbor of the proposed location in North Palm Springs, I feel obliged to reach out about this location even being considered. Financially challenged citizens need easy access to multiple city resources which will not be available in the North as it is being developed with more and more housing. It has been proven again and again that neighborhoods without basic services end up with higher crime and without a successful reintegration. Our hard work to revitalize the North side has resulted in a higher tax revenue for the city. This is only the beginning. The proposed location will be a deterrent to future buyers and is even making us discuss our own home location choice. We are already seriously concerned about gang activity and robberies in what used to be a very safe neighborhood. We were robbed the first day after moving into our home. It has made an impact and is making us recoil that such a possible location is even being considered. There was a murder in a street adjacent to our community. Such violence is the result of multiple needs that must be addressed but will not be addressed at the North Side location. hope the rate of success, the impact on growth and property taxes, and the level of crime have all been fully studied and that proper measures are already being put in place along with a full budget and reserves for this location. Unless this can be assured, please find a more appropriate location. North Palm Springs isn't one any more than Little Tuscany would be for example. Thank you for your attention to this request. Francoise Coppola 3000 N Redwood Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 I1Iq!uzZ VU)01 i G C Dr�,r►�.�n-�- YMM no. Anthony Mejia From: Howard Goldberg <howard@goldcat.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 3:51 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Public comment re: 11/4/21 City Council Agenda Item 5B (Navigation Center) NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. To the City Council: I am writing in support of the city staffs work to find a site for a Navigation Center for unhoused people in Palm Springs. I was very encouraged reading the city staffs Oct. 28 report discussing a location at 3589 McCarthy Road. It seems like a unique opportunity for the city to be able to quickly stand up a much needed facility to address the crisis of homelessness without starting construction from scratch on vacant land. The city staff cited success at the Access Center near the airport as evidence that a Nav Center can be created without spillover effect on the neighboring area like we saw in the Baristo Park debacle. The Nav Center should emulate the approach of creating a strong contract with a reliable partner agency with measurable and enforceable performance standards. The city staff seems to understand what standards are necessary to ensure security and prevent disturbances. I was surprised when I first learned that a city like Palm Springs, which can't help but have dozens if not hundreds of people experiencing homelessness, had no place for them to go to get comprehensive services. Homelessness obviously arises from a complicated web of issues, from our high housing prices and housing shortages to mental health issues and addiction. Housing vouchers, a drop -in center with showers and food, and beds in a church -run shelter are not an adequate solution. The proposed Nav Center is exactly what is missing, and it seems well -designed to avoid creating a gathering spot for drug addicts as some residents fear. The City is on the right track protecting our civic environment with the planned cleanup of Baristo Park. While many unsheltered people undoubtedly are breaking some laws every day, police cannot make inroads without having something like the Nav Center as an alternative for those willing to get whatever services they need to find sobriety, mental health treatment, job training etc. Not all of the unhoused people will take advantage of such services especially when first offered, but it's only humane to offer them a place to go when they are ready. Howard Goldberg 1193 S La Verne Way Palm Springs, CA 92264 917-692-5873 Howard Pgoldcat.net 1 -1 I q I U Z[ 'ev�tb�l I (, bOm4m¢�'-4 ITEM NO. �1,L Anthony Mejia From: Maureen Shelhamer <momoskirts@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 4:28 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless navigation center NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I can actually throw and egg ,and it can be caught at the gate of your potential facility! have no problem helping the homeless,or trying to improve their life conditions ..... I do it every day with my brother, who has an unbelievable IQ and gave up a massive income to serve helping others on the streets!!!!!! He's homeless and chooses to be, because the family members allow his distorted, unreachable mind to control us out of pity, not all homeless are like this, I support Martha's Vineyard and can say I have had them help me in circumstances, not receiving money or housing, but filing information with no charge .... and have donated and thankful!!!!! Please reconsider your location, I've lived here peacefully for a good time.love my view,love my home .... if you can call it that!there are families and children here, We do not need any distractions, or problems, I work down town see the homeless, the helpless ones, yelling ,screaming ,fighting with themselves!!!! Talking to no one!!! There dangerous!!!! Please we have a church less than a mile, a hood with children that need guidance, donot bring this on us! Thank you for your time and consideration Maureen it Iq I ZAZ ( Rt i G Cvnfn.s-- i1Tl:�bi-- Anthony Mejia From: rebecca cummins <r_elaine94@LIVE.00M> Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 4:01 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless Navigation Center NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. To whom it may concern, Amongst many of the failures, Christy Holstege has brought to the once beautiful city of Palm Springs, including but not limited to -violation of Constitutional rights - mocking valid Palm Springs residents as well as outside visitors who bring money to Palm Springs, via social media (myself included) - ignoring valid concerns in regards to bulky trash accumulating through the city despite multiple volunteers willing to pick up trash - caring more about her sexuality rather than actually helping her community Now the city wishes to build a Homeless Navigation Center, in close proximity to residents, who have small children, this is NOT a good site for such an endeavor. As a city we understand the need to help the homeless people, I personally provide for a handful of homeless people throughout Palm Springs as well as know them on a personal level, and empathize with a need to help, however, there are multiple other locations to use, that are not in close proximity to residents who already deal with mental illness and substance abuse issues. This is NOT a viable option for residents. I have been pleading with Palm Springs, and more specifically Christy Holstege to help us clean up the trash and homelessness that already is rampant throughout MCCARTHY road, the city has dodged every complaint and offered no solution, all this will do is cause more reak and havoc in an area of Palm Springs that so desperately needs attention. MCCARTHY rd needs attention not MORE homeless people, it is ridiculous that not even a mile up the road there are million dollars homes, while right down the road Palm Springs is accumulating trash and homeless people. I am sure the city wouldn't put this "Navigation Center" on the side of town where Christy Holstege lives, so why bring it to an area that already is heavily populated and already needs dire help? As a city, we must stand AGAINST such neglect for residents and their children . P.S. I would like this comment to be public, please let me know if I need to submit it somewhere else. Thank you for your time, Rebecca Cummins 1(1 12,0 Z( vt h cow,, "At YN Anthony Mejia From: LetsAll@GoBananas.net Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 4:13 PM To: City Clerk Cc: '- Bob' Subject: CC Agenda Item 5-B - Homeless Crisis Housing and Treatment Center. Importance: High NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear City Council and Staff, RE: CC Agenda Item 5-13 - Homeless Crisis Housing and Treatment Center. Wrong location on many levels. It would be cruel to inflict this facility on these residents near, and nearby, the proposed McCarthy location. We all know the services are needed, but they need NOT be located next to the homes of these residents, or any residents of Palm Springs. There are many much better options, and McCarthy must NOT be one of them. Looking at the map shown below, surrounded on all side by homes, we can't imagine why anyone would think that could possibly be a good idea. The costs/losses and suffering to the residents will be incalculable. It is important to not sell out for short term solutions and thriftiness, at the great expense of long-term critical planning and the residents. This is making the residents feel thrown under the bus... again. Many of us remember all too well what it was like when Well in the Desert was dumped on Desert Highland Gateway Estates. Many of us have friends from the Baristo NOrg that are still dealing with "Heroin Park" aka "Baristo Park". People's homes are often the most valuable asset they will ever own in their life, and to not respect that would be very wrong and insulting. Why is Palm Springs the primary western valley City taking ownership of the homeless issue? The other cities seem very ok with pushing them here. It needs to be distributed equitably in the western valley. Hello CVAG!, and the county. Even though Upper West Side NOrg is at closest, about 2,000+ ft. away from this proposed location, our neighbors are VERY STRONGLY against this location. Not even one person has voiced even mild support for that location. Thank you for reading, Bob Heinbaugh and Paul Hinrichsen — Upper West Side NOrg leadership. y W9l2(I C6MW.CA rrEM NO. E rJ Highlighted in Yellow = Proposed Homeless Crisis Housing and Treatment Center. 4% of highlighted areas. Highlighted in Blue = Residential Homes (SFRs, Condos, Apts). 90% of highlighted areas., Highlighted in Purple = Commercial. 3-1/2% of highlighted areas. Outlined in Orange = Dry wash and future "Heroin Park 2.0". 2-1/2% of highlighted areas. OL Ok • • w.r e ' .r { . ip qp 4p a. P SA 'w►. . _ p i ! + w Not re y; 1 r' s iv, •.yr..: R � r `" s E r r r �• t � �♦ r ' f �a-. e. r Y■ ` N' Im F •s Y• `+ h •, T , r i r � it r ♦ )� � r'[�.ji ram •!'klq���� _.wags f `r-*',,',. A p+ M, . o to 41 , �, it t ;^ i • e , p � q l w ? , ,tp i t�Y �# � �M � ��� Fw"�*l�r�yi IM�•N ,� • �'. ., r Y-� ., a �k- -� 3 Quite frankly, many are very offended by the insults Patrick Weiss has been throwing around on Social Media, basically calling the voting tax paying residents of our areas "NIMBY bigots". That's a foul! Especially after his own email statement someone shared (shown below). This has become an example of liberalism taken way too far. He needs to check himself. Patrick Weiss < Patrick Weiss PW RN's, LVN's and Assistants needed for Free Clinic! The Free Clinic - provided by the Desert Physicians Medical oup - Family P needed to take medical history, blood sugar testing, od pressure, etc and Homelessness Committee, will coordinate the vo r schedule online You must be comfortable and sympathetic to be around homeless people. Virus -free. www.avast.com 4 Anthony Mejia From: usavia manuel <utrinice420@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 3:17 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Regarding: Homeless Navigation center located at 3589 MCCARTHY ROAD NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. To whom it may concern, My name is Usavia Manuel, I grew up in Desert Highland Gateway Neighborhood. I currently reside at Rosa Garden Apartments on Rosa Parks road, where I am raising my two daughters (ages 14 & 10) as a single mother. I chose to move into Rosa Garden apartments when they were first built back in 2011 because we feel safe in this neighborhood, the apartments are affordable low income, my grandmother Cora Crawford (God rest Her soul) lived directly across the street from us, we have lots of friends and family around us, which gives a huge sense of security. My girls and I feel safe!!!! We know everyone and vice versa. currently work at a Primary Care Clinic in South Palm Springs, we are bombarded with the homeless, on several occasions they have violently ran into the clinic screaming, yelling throwing things, refusing to leave. Our clinic has been vandalized, there is drug paraphernalia, condoms, etc. found on the premises. We are afraid at work !!!! We should not have to be afraid at our homes! We treat the homeless community with respect but due to drug use, mental health and other issues, they can be irrational! It would be a nightmare to have to go home to this and be in fear. We are in opposition of the Homeless Navigation Center located at 3589 MCCARTHY ROAD, I am afraid for the safety of myself, my children, my family, and our neighborhood! Rosa Garden apartments in particular is located right behind this navigation center. This will endanger what since of safety we have left in Desert Highland Gateway Estates. We have been through so much already, with the drug use and gunshots. My daughters catch the bus right on Rosa Parks rd. by themselves because I leave for work before they leave for school. I cannot just up and move away because I cannot afford it. I know the homeless issue has got to be addressed but moving them so close to a residential neighborhood is dangerous. Would you want to live within 500 feet of the this Navigation center?! Would you feel safe walking to your car alone, would you feel safe letting your children ride the Sun Bus knowing this would be the homeless means of transportation? Would you feel safe if your elementary children were catching the bus by themselves this close to the navigation center? I definitely feel for the safety of our community. After experiencing the mob of homeless that ran into my place of employment, this left a huge sense a fear, especially when you are outnumbered by them, I don't ever want my kids to have to experience anything like that. Sincerely, Usavia T. Manuel ��M-, t CU61 n7EM NO. r 8 Anthony Mejia From: Tiffani Bailey Sent: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 2:18 PM To: Anthony Mejia Subject: Public Comment - SB "I am an old white woman who is violently opposed to the moving of the homeless behind the little black family; please move them somewhere else. They have children who play there while their moms go to work." Marie - Respectfully, Tiffani Bailey Executive Administrative Assistant, City Clerk City Of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-322-8355 �\� LO-z b2_1 ?milk L calvmw�- rMM NO. Anthony Mejia From: Martin Royer <datasound@aol.com> Sent: Friday, October 29, 2021 2:03 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Strongly Against the location for the proposed Navigation Center... NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Hello, As a homeowner and resident on the North side of Palm Springs I want to let you now how upset I am that this is being consider in this location. It should not be near in a location surround by a residential streets We are trying so hard to clean up the North side of town and bring up property values and this will hinder that. And please consider the amount of crime that is alreadv ur) here with almost daily auns shots and it is getting worse. Also, having it this close to the new Miralon community of near million dollar homes is going to seriously hinder the sale of homes there which would otherwise bring a lot of tax dollars to the city. If this building were in Deep Well or Little Tuscany or Twin Palm we would not even be having this discussion. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not impose this on the homeowners in the North end. Please find another location. Thank you for listening, Martin Royer 2940 S. Redwood Dr. Palm Springs, CA 6g Anthony Mejia From: Catherine Janowicz <desertmoon2@live.com> Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2021 9:52 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless shelter NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Hello Please consider removing the Desert Highland Gateway property from consideration for the Homeless Navigation Center This location will inhibit the potential success of the center and the homeless it is trying to reach. It is too far away from the known places the homeless are gathering, too far away from resources to help the homeless rise such as shopping and jobs. It will also negatively impact a neighborhood who is already fighting hard to rise out of challenging situations. We want the children of Desert Highland Gateway to be surrounded by adults who can inspire them to achieve more, and help them believe they can do anything they work hard for. It would be great if you could work with the community on making the area more desirable .... A place where successful philanthropists, church and business leaders want to live, and mentor our youth. I know many homeless people were hardworking too and fell on bad ways, but we don't want the children to get a message that it is ok to give up, or in many cases just cannot find their way out. Desert Highland has enough of "no way out" examples with the gang issues. Please place the Homeless Navigation Center away from communities where full time residents are raising their families. And give the homeless a chance by surrounding them with resources within walkable distance. Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider the impact. Catherine Janowicz Desert Park Estates, full time resident 760 4012669 ITEM �t4 Co1r�� Anthony Mejia From: MSN <sweetsingeractress@msn.com> Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2021 9:58 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Navigation Center potentially off San Rafael NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear City Council, My young family lives in the Racquet Club West neighborhood and we frequently visit other families with children in this area. There has been an uptick in gun shots/speeding cars/ and late night mental health issues in this part of town (that I, and others, have called to report) since we moved in 2017. Sometimes police response is quick, other times it's not. There isn't, that I'm aware of, another rapid response unit for mental health (specifically) to call in the middle of the night. I just read about the homeless navigation center potentially going in near us and I'm hoping for more information specifically on the increased police presence/24 hour mental health assistance required for any issues that arise. What kinds of programs are in place that will be available to the homeowners who live in the area? I specifically ask because we have been woken up late at night to a mentally ill person banging on our door and yelling with no one to call except the non -emergency police number who will not come out unless damage is done. We have a small transitional housing location that seems to be run well already in our neighborhood, and a low income housing development going in shortly, but this sounds like a larger operation and I haven't seen the degree of systems going into place to support such a large and growing homeless population. A bed and food is important but there also needs to be a structure to get these people permanently into well funded care. Would a location that already has systems in place be a better choice? No offense to Palm Springs, but thus far I haven't seen our little town have the educational/health care developer to or resources to properly address the magnitude of this crisis. I feel money needs to be invested in the systems in order for a navigation center anywhere to succeed. Thank you for listening and your response, Erin Havel lily1,&u rMM No. Anthony Mejia From: Eleanor Arbeene <earbeene@icloud.com> Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2021 1:45 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Homeless Shelter NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. We live in the north end of PS between Francis & Ramon. We have lived here for 8 yrs. Crime at this end of town has escalated since we moved here. Every night brings illegal fireworks, gunshots, drag racing, break-ins, etc. We have locked gates around our property, a house alarm & we garage our vehicles. We constantly live in fear of a break-in & are reluctant to go out at night. If a homeless shelter is built here, we will be forced to sell our home, move & leave PS permanently. The city council & city government employees need only ride down Cabelleros or Ramon on a Fri or Sat night & they would be shocked at the illegal activity that takes place. I understand that the Homeless situation needs to be addressed in the CV & in PS but building a homeless shelter in a residential neighborhood is not the answer. It will only exacerbate a problem that the police are ill equipped to control. Please reconsider this Ill advised decision. Eleanor/Gregg Arbeene 1158 Enamor Ct. PS 805 660-1347 Sent from my iPhone gTE1e�, I+IO. Anthony Mejia From: Richard Blaimert <blaimert@mac.com> Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2021 10:46 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Navigation Center For Homeless NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear council members, In August, my husband and I became full-time residents in the Miralon community. We were aware that this area of Palm Springs was not the best location to pick in terms of crime and safety, but we took a leap of faith hoping that projects like Miralon and The Monarch Apartment Homes will bring more families and retirees to the area. This is exactly what is needed to lure shops and businesses which will create a real and great neighborhood for years to come. We were just made aware that the city was considering the possibility of opening a homeless center on McCarthy Rd. We could not believe it. Our neighborhood is already in need of so much care in order to flourish. Why pick a neigborhood that is already so fragile and hurt already? We understand that a homeless center is needed in the area, but McCarthy Rd. is the wrong location. The East Ramon Rd. location is more remote and will affect way less residents and businesses than the McCarthy Rd location. Give us a chance to create a great neighborhood here on the north end of town. We hope that our representatives will take that into consideration when it's time to vote. Thank you, Richard Blaimert Gerard Michael Reilly 3433 Ambassador DR. Palm Springs, 92262 11)u1-Xoz( ITEM NO. Anthony Mejia From: EDWARD WALSH <bosfly@me.com> Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2021 2:20 PM To: City Clerk Subject: McCarty Street NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. As a tax payer in Palm Springs I vehemently oppose the placing of a drug treatment facility on McCarthy Street. There are far more options on City owned land than in a residential community. Place it on Gene Autry across from the airport or at the old drive in on Ramon. This neighborhood is already home to a trailer park with nightly violence and a soon to be low to moderate income housing development We are becoming the dumping spot for Palm Springs. Put it in Smoketree or So Palm Springs and see the response you receive. Baristo Park is a prime example of what is going to occur in the neighborhood. These drug addicts will not integrate into the community they will discourage any development. One only has to see what has occurred at Grocery Outlet and Rite Aid where drug addiction has made it an unwelcome and unsafe area. Edward Walsh Avenedas Caballeros Palm Springs, CA 92262 Sent from my iPad i & COnnmR,►4- ATFM NO. Anthony Mejia From: Matthew Black <m@madebyblack.com> Sent: Monday, November 1, 2021 5:50 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Miralon Resident Highly Opposed to McCarthy Navigation Center Location NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Hi there, My name is Matthew Black and my wife and I moved to Palm Springs a year ago from Los Angeles. We recently learned of the proposed Navigation Center on McCarthy Rd. I would like to voice my strong concerns with this location as summarized below: - First and foremost, it's a bad idea to introduce a large vulnerable population, many of whom have addiction and mental health issues, into a high crime area that is already rife with drugs and criminal activity - it would make the homeless population even more vulnerable to being victimized. As was mentioned in the Zoom meeting, the PS police officer assigned to an enforcement task force said that the general area of San Rafael and Indian Canyon is in between 2 violent street gangs; would it be safe for this already vulnerable population to be exposed to that activity? The proposed NC is also set up for children; is it a good idea to introduce already at - risk children into this environment? - With the large number of households in close proximity to the McCarthy Rd site, the NC will have a much larger negative impact on those neighborhoods than if it was built on the Ramon Rd site, which has far fewer households. -There are very few restaurants, grocery stores or other business near the McCarthy Rd site area that could benefit the homeless population. However, as stated in the October 28th Palm Springs City Council Staff Report, the Ramon Rd site has restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses that would not only provide food and other basic needs to the homeless population, but also employment opportunities within walking distance. - There are currently few, if any, businesses, grocery stores, etc in the immediate area of the McCarthy Rd site and having the NC at the that site will make it even more difficult to attract these businesses to this area. I would encourage the city to explore alternative options that have better long term outcomes for the city's homeless population. Thanks, MB Sent from my iPad 1/f g100a1 ��,b)16 Gvrhmen4- Anthony Mejia To: City of Palm Springs Subject: RE: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs From: City of Palm Springs <palmspringsca@enotify.visioninternet.com> Sent: Saturday, October 30, 20214:46 PM To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Anthony Mejia <Anthony.Mejia@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs Full Name/Nombre Alden Kirkman City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia Palm Springs, Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) Email (optional/opcional) Your Comments/Sus comentarios Palm Springs must address the homeless issue that is getting worse. The rest of Coachella Valley doesn't have the issue happening that we have here (I've been told by police we are the only ones who offer services so everyone else sends them here, I also see when I'm in the other cities there are no homeless). That's great that we are compassionate but when downtown becomes overrun with homeless loitering, sleeping, leaving trash, washing in the fountains, panhandling, etc it starts to deter our tourists. Why would they come here if they can go other places in the valley and not deal with it? The police are great at responding when there is an immediate issue (someone being aggressive) but the general issue of of homelessness is getting worse and will be a deterrent to future tourism as well as home owners. Why buy in Palm Springs when one of the other CV cities doesn't have the same issue? This needs to be dealt with, at least in the downtown area where people walk to shop and dine. Thank you, City of Palm Springs This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email. 1kLCA 1 ( tub t ( L C,Uhr`wLPn ITEM NO. Anthony Mejia From: Michael Reichardt <mdrinmdr@aol.com> Sent: Monday, November 1, 2021 6:44 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Homelesness and drug rehab Navigation Center NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Good morning, As a resident in this area, I am strongly opposed to it being built near my home. While I understand the need for this center, if it needs to be built, then it should be more centrally located in the valley. Why does Palm Springs need to be the home for this? This is a Coachella Valley issue isn't it? Our homeless problem is because the County of Riverside and neighboring cities are dumping their homeless and recently released inmates here in Palm Springs.) understand we now have to deal with the issue, however, building a center will likely increase the problem as neighboring cities will see this as an invitation to continue bringing people here to Palm Springs. In addition to the County of Riverside, does building this encourage cities like Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, etc. to bring their homeless people to Palm Springs for shelter and treatment? If it must be built in Palm Springs then please chose a more city central location perhaps out near the 1-10 where is is completely away from existing residential areas. Michael Reichardt 2940 Redwood Drive South Palm Springs, 92262 I I Lt 1q,0 zt ?VVI:A i c, Goyywyw - Anthony Mejia From: CC Madsen <cncsmadsen@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 1, 2021 7:52 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Navigation Center NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Good morning Palm Springs City Council members, ProTem Mayor and Mayor, First, allow us to introduce ourselves - we are Craig & Cindy Madsen and we moved to Palm Springs in April of this year from Omaha, NE after residing and working there most of our lives. We thought long and hard about moving to Palm Springs after retiring and felt we did our due diligence before making that decision. We moved into the Miralon subdivision on Indian Canyon / Sunrise Parkway and are enjoying the view of the San Jacinto mountains and the beautiful weather, especially after this unseasonably hot summer. We're also exploring the area, are enjoying what Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley have to offer and are learning more about the city every day. We are emailing to voice our concerns about the Navigation Center that may be located at 3589 McCarthy Rd. After reading the city council staff report and the Desert Sun and Palm Springs Post articles, we became very concerned about the negative impact the NC will have on the immediate area if it is located at the McCarthy Rd site. We'll expound on our reasons below but want to begin by saying that although we have only lived in Palm Springs for seven months, we are not unfamiliar with the homeless crisis as we experienced the same problems with the homeless and the associated crime, litter and drug addiction while living in Omaha, a city with a population of nearly 500,000 citizens. Within the last two weeks, Omaha dismantled a large homeless encampment that was built on private property, relocated those residents and then cleaned and rehabilitated the area. And, Omaha, like Palm Springs, also has persons living in extreme weather conditions - Omaha can be dangerously cold in the winter and dangerously hot and humid in the summer. Cindy and I are not unsympathetic to the plight of the the homeless and have always donated resources and funding to the various charities that assist that population, to include the local food banks and shelters - and we always participated in the annual winter coat drives for adults and children that was sponsored by the Omaha chapter of the Salvation Army. As we previously mentioned, we're learning more about the city every day and have come to realize that the Desert Highland Gateway Estates area has long struggled with poverty, crime and drug addiction and that there has been a violent criminal street gang living in and/or associated with the neighborhood. We've also learned of a second violent criminal street ganging in close proximity, on San Rafael, between Avenida Caballeros and Sunrise Way, and that this gang and the gang from Desert Highland Gateway Estates are rivals and frequently engage in assaults, shootings and other violent crimes in their respective neighborhoods and on the streets in between the neighborhoods. The rear of our home faces west and we've heard, while sitting on the patio or laying in bed at night, gunshots coming from the Desert Highland Gateway Estate neighborhood - and we're also aware of the homicide in the neighborhood this past summer. It is not uncommon at night for us to see a Palm Springs police cruiser or two, parked with its lights off, in the Miralon resident entrance, just off Indian Canyon, south of Sunrise Parkway. Although we certainly appreciate the police presence, we are disappointed that it has apparently become necessary due to the increased criminal activity in the neighborhood to the west. We have learned as well that North Palm Springs has been unable to attract many businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, etc because of the crime and drug abuse issues and the placement of the Navigation Center on McCarthy Rd would very likely perpetuate that inability to attract businesses to the area. Although we know homelessness is a problem in Palm Springs, we have to say we rarely see homeless persons in the immediate area of San Rafael and Indian Canyon but typically see them on Palm Canyon in the downtown area, in the area of Indian Canyon and Ramon Rd., in the Smoke Tree area and in the area of Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road. With that said, we wonder why a Navigation Center would be placed in a location that doesn't appear to attract homeless persons to begin with, especially in an area without any resources such as restaurants and grocery stores other businesses that could not only 1t ti0 St rrEm NO. provide the homeless with basic needs, but also provide employment opportunities within walking distance. In addition to the lack of general resources in the McCarthy Rd area, it would seem illogical to introduce an already vulnerable population (mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism) into an area with a high rate of violent crime, drug sales, gang activity and other criminal activity. The placement of a homeless population into that environment will ensure that they will become victims of violent crime. Armed criminal gang members think nothing of shooting at another armed criminal gang member and will think even less about harming a vulnerable homeless person. We've been told of ongoing drug sale activity occurring in Desert Highland Gateway Estates and wonder why a population already struggling with addiction would be located next to an area that would be a readily available source of of illegal drugs. From the floor plans of the proposed McCarthy Rd Navigation Center that we've reviewed, we noted areas designated for children; would it be safe for these already at -risk children to be put in close proximity to this criminal and violent activity? We're also concerned about the well being of Navigation Center staff members who may very well be in harms way while going about their daily duties. We've been told that North Palm Springs has long been seen as the "dumping grounds" for unpopular programs and that it has long been unable to attract businesses to the area. It seems to follow that having a Navigation Center at the McCarthy Rd location would perpetuate this because the usual issues associated with this type of program would result in crime, litter and homeless encampments in the immediate area. We don't feel it would be equitable to burden one area of Palm Springs with so many programs, low income housing, etc at the expense of the residents, especially when some residents of the area are already struggling. We also know that Palm Springs benefits from tourism and know that the McCarthy Rd site would be right in the middle of the two most travelled routes into Palm Springs from 1-10; Indian Canyon and Hwy 111. We don't believe that visitors coming to Palm Springs would find the resulting negative impact of the Navigation Center very appealing. We're aware that crime in Palm Springs has been increasing and from what we're seeing on the NextDoor website, a substantial portion of it appears to be perpetrated by the homeless who frequently trespass onto private property to commit crimes. Regardless of the site selected for the Navigation Center, there can be no argument that the surrounding areas will be negatively affected - it would seem then that the best option would be to locate the Center in an area where that impact is minimized. We understand that at the Thursday, October 29th meeting, council members voted to narrow the site options from seven to just two: -3589 McCarthy Rd - available for $5.9 million, is on 3.64 acres, is within 500 feet of 137 households and is .6 miles from businesses, restaurants, etc. -4775 East Ramon Rd - available for $6.5 million, is on 2.03 acres, is within 500 feet of 45 households and is within .1 mile of business, restaurants, etc. After reviewing all the data in the council staffs report, it appears to us that the best location would be the 4775 East Ramon site because there are 92 fewer households within 500 feet of the site than the McCarthy Rd site and because the site is only .1 mile from businesses and services which would provide not only basic basic needs, but employment opportunities to the homeless population. in addition, there is already a large number of homeless in that general area, most without transportation, and they would be able to easily walk to and from the Navigation Center. We understand the council's desire to hasten the process by using existing buildings and facilities, and the Ramon Rd site, although somewhat smaller than the McCarthy Rd site, has a large vacant building that appears to be suitable for an expedited renovation. As new residents of Palm Springs, we are now wondering if the city isn't concerned with the well being, peace and happiness of its established and tax paying citizens. If the decision is made to to locate the Navigation Center at the McCarthy Rd site, is the city willing to commit to the necessary public safety resources, namely additional police patrols and an increased visible police presence, to deter criminal activity and to ensure a safe environment for everyone, homeless and residents alike? In closing, we are adamantly opposed to the Navigation Center being located at 3589 McCarthy Road. Thank you for your time and for considering our position. Sincerely and respectfully, Craig & Cindy Madsen 0 n T H B A R T November 1, 2021 City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 ATTN: Mayor Christy Holstege Council Members Grace Garner, Dennis Woods, Geoff Kors & Lisa Middleton Justin Clifton, City Manager Anthony Mejia, City Clerk Regarding the potential Homeless Services Center at 4775 Ramon Road 10990 WILSHIRE BLVD S U I T E 1 0 0 0 LOS ANGELES, CA 9 0 0 2 4 3 1 0- 2 7 7- 6 2 8 8 FAX • 2 7 7• G 3 88 I am writing to respectfully oppose the proposal to place a Homeless Services Center at 4775 Ramon Road in Palm Springs. Negative impacts on Palm Springs largest retail centers As the Developer and Manager of Destination Ramon, known as the Walmart shopping center located at the SEC of Ramon and San Luis Rey and the owner of numerous Walmart shopping centers in Southern California, I can speak from experience that this proposed homeless facility will create a security burden and public nuisance for not only Destination Ramon, but for the adjacent and nearby Home Depot center and the Lowes/Staples center -- three of the largest retail centers in Palm Springs. Each of our centers have large public parking lots, the largest concentration of cars and retail customers anywhere in the City. The potential for problems is just too great. I can assure you, that the decision -makers for the new Starbucks and Raising Cane's restaurants you recently approved for the Destination Ramon center would not have considered locating there had they known a homeless center would be located nearby. The likely security burden is severe. The security issues at the Starbucks near Sunny Dunes and Palm Canyon is a recent example to support this point. Conflicts with General Plan This proposed homeless facilities center at this location is counter to the Goals, Policies and Actions in the Palm Springs General Plan. Land uses at Ramon and Gene Autry are supposed to foster commercial and retail to benefit the Palm Springs economy. Locating a homeless facility at this location is counter to that goal. Bad land use decision for gateways to Palm Springs Ramon Road and Gene Autry is the intersection of two of the most used gateways to Palm Springs. A homeless facility is not the right land use choice for this important crossroads for the community. There simply must be a superior location for the City's homeless services. y�Z, �u, lip Cornrn�ex- ITEM NO. 5 D E V E L 0 P M E N T R O T H B A R T We all know homelessness is a major issue and we all need to seek solutions. However, the 4775 Ramon site is a clear example of the wrong project at the wrong location. We are available to discuss this matter at your convenience. Regards, Stanley Rothbart, Manager Destination Ramon, LLC 10990 WILSHIRE BLVD S U I T E 1 0 0 0 LOS ANGELES, CA 9 0 0 2 4 3 1 0 2 7 7 6 2 8 8 F A X 2 7 7 6 3 8 8 D E V E L O P M E N T