Proposed limits on unsheltered living in Missoula advances after contentious hearing

A resolution that would limit areas where homeless people can live in tents in Missoula advanced forward on Wednesday after a contentious meeting in which one city council member stormed out and uttered an expletive.

The new resolution, which would have to be adopted by the full city council on Monday, June 10, would ban unsheltered living, sometimes called “urban camping” or “crisis camping,” within McCormick Park, Caras Park and Westside Park. It would ban unsheltered living within 100 feet of a playground, splash deck, sport court, athletic field, fishing pond, bandshell, pavilion or aquatic facility in the city. There would be no unsheltered living on any conservation lands as well.

A living area for an unsheltered person at the West Broadway Island in Missoula in March of 2024.

ANTONIO IBARRA OLIVARES, Missoulian

There would be a prohibition in so-called “buffer areas,” which would include anywhere within 100 feet of any residential dwelling units, 100 feet from commercial businesses or nonprofits, 300 feet from any school or daycare, 1,000 feet from any shelter facility, 50 feet from the Clark Fork River

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