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From:Matt DElia To:publiccomment Subject:Public Comment: Anti-camping ordinance is critically needed for RWC. Date:Monday, July 21, 2025 9:31:42 AM You don't often get email from mattspace32@gmail.com. Learn why this is important Hello - I am writing to communicate that the anti-camping ordinance is critically needed as part of Redwood City's overall plan to address it's homeless encampment issues. These encampments present many critical public safety, health, and environmental issues for the general public in our city. Issues that could eventually lead to fatalities of members of our general public if encampments continue to persist. The space across Redwood Creek from the One Marina condominium complex and back side of the Courtyard Marriott (in the Bair Island area) is a critically high risk area that very much needs to be kept free of encampments. Further below is a summary put together by a member of the One Marina community. For these reasons (and many more not captured here), the anti-camping ordinance very much needs to be approved. Thank you for your time, help, and understanding. I hope for a safer space across Redwood Creek from One Marina in the future and for a safer Redwood City overall. Below is the summay of concerns and critical risks encampments present. Fire Risk & Public Safety · "There have been at least 12 fires in the small area between Docktown, the Whipple onramp, and the Marriott in just the past few years. Three occurred in the last few months alone. This is not sustainable." · "With only one way in and out of Bair Island, a single fire could trap thousands of residents. We are living in a constant state of risk." · "We’re not asking for special treatment—we’re asking for the same emergency protections the City is proposing for schools." Pedestrian & Student Safety · "The Highway 101 underpass is used daily by children walking to school and by commuters. The growing encampments make it unsafe and unwelcoming." · "Many families report avoiding the underpass altogether due to safety concerns. This is unacceptable in a city that values walkability and access." Designate Bair Island a Special Fire Risk Zone · "We urge the Council to designate Bair Island as a ‘Special Fire Risk Zone,’ allowing faster action—within 48 hours—to remove encampments in high-risk areas." · "This is not just a quality-of-life issue—this is a public safety emergency." RWC Encampment Trends Don't Reflect Local Reality · "The City’s data shows encampments are down citywide—but on Bair Island, they’ve grown dramatically." · "This area is falling through the cracks of enforcement and public safety planning." Personal Impact · "As a resident, I’m deeply concerned for my family's safety. It shouldn't take a tragedy for the City to act." · "We love our neighborhood, but the fire threat and encampment growth are pushing us to a breaking point."