Burlington, VT PLUS

Smoke from the encampment campfires is flooding downtown, and making an unhealthy air quality. As someone with health issues, fresh air is very valuable to me, and the city's decisions are negatively affecting my air quality, and respiratory health. You have encouraged camping by the population struggling the most with caring for themselves, on the most ecologically vulnerable spot in Burlington. Right directly on our water supply, and upwind of the entire town. Any burning west of the city, especially by the waterfront, affects the downtown air quality in a negative way. Why would we choose to put the population having the most trouble caring for themselves and making considered decisions, right at the most vulnerable ecological spot in or town, in the last place where feces should be disposed of, and upwind, so all smoke will be inhaled by the community of townspeople? Why do people need to be having campfires in 80 degree weather? I do not believe that a few portapotties by the encampment means magically all fecal matter will be properly disposed of, and it is situated dirtectly on our water supply. I am convinced that the thoughts of the people encouraging this encampment have not truly thought out all the negative implications for its siting there, even if all goes well. Could we please collaborate on ideas, there is most certainly a better place for these people, who are more in need of help, then merely permission to continue on in this way. We need to do better by the unhoused, and giving over the most ecologically sensitive area, and the one bound to negatively affect the most people, is not us at our best. I think we can do better.

The City instructed residents to report on SeeClickFix. Residents have followed these instructions.

I am writing regarding the ongoing issue of illegal camping, graffiti, and littering along Burlington’s lakefront. These activities are occurring in violation of existing Burlington ordinances and are negatively impacting public health, safety, and the environment.

Specific Issues Observed:

Illegal Camping: Burlington Code of Ordinances §21-19 prohibits camping in city parks and public spaces without authorization. I have observed seven tents and semi-permanent encampments along the waterfront, starting north of HULA to Perkins Pier. Multiple residents have reported these issues on SeeClickFix.

Littering & Dumping: Ordinances prohibit the disposal of trash and refuse in public parks and waters. I have documented trash bags left on shore, discarded needles, food waste, and debris entering Lake Champlain. These conditions pose health risks to the community and contribute to pollution of the lakefront.

Ordinance 21-29: Graffiti and defacement of property are acts of vandalism, detrimental to the city, and are, therefore, public nuisances.

Direct Impacts:

Trash is blowing into Lake Champlain, threatening water quality.

Syringes on paths and parks, threatening kids, adults, and dogs being pricked.

Businesses' property adjacent to the lakefront has experienced increased litter and sanitation concerns. They share revenue being down by 30%+ at city council meetings.

Graffiti is a daily reminder of public nuisances that lower the quality of the city's assets and private property.

Requested Action:

Inspection and cleanup of the affected areas.

Consistent enforcement of Burlington’s ordinances prohibiting camping in city parks and littering on public property.

Create a task force to clean graffiti reported on SeeClickFix.

I was inspired by another resident who cleans up litter every morning. I joined in and have spent an hour every morning over the last 30 days cleaning up litter on the lakefront and in City Hall Park.

overnight camper in Ethan Allen Park located at the top of the hill if you're coming from the 127 bridge. camper is right next to the path.

SECOND REPORT - NOT ADDRESSED ON FRIDAY - there is a group of homeless/drug users using the alcove of the empty State Office Building on Pearl Street as their new home. They were there all of last week. On Friday they were seen shooting up with drugs so I reported it here and it was "taken care of" by referring to BPD. They are still there with even more "stuff" in the alcove now. This is not OK!!!! This is directly across from the Federal Courthouse and Post Office and should be removed TODAY.

Campsite set up outside Feeding Chittenden

New encampment on road to snow dump area. No portalets, fires at night, lots of hooting and hollering.