June 21, 2007

Fresno Chamber Urges Council to Consider Economic Impacts on Housing

On Wednesday, June 13, 2007 the Fresno Chamber reviewed the temporary encampment housing issue at the request of member businesses located next to or near the proposed site. The Chamber reviewed the logistics of the issue and heard the concerns from both the surrounding business owners and Councilmember Jerry Duncan.

The Chamber is in agreement that in order to develop the travel corridors into downtown the homeless problem has to be addressed. Our concern is that the proposed “temporary” location designated for moving the encampment will have a “permanent” impact on those adjacent businesses who have invested into their businesses in that area.

It is our understanding that a “summit” is being proposed to evaluate all options regarding the relocation of encampments; the Poverllo House and the Rescue Mission. It would seem prudent that the “temporary” relocation of the encampment be postponed until a long-term strategy could be developed.

The Chamber agrees that the homeless issue and the impact on development is a significant one that must be addressed. We are concerned about the negative impact of placing a temporary encampment next to or near businesses that have already invested in and are committed to downtown. The consequences of this toward those business owners would go beyond temporary in its long term impact.
 

Position

The Chamber urges the City Council to postpone creating a new, temporary encampment until after the planned Summit to address the overall issue is held and a permanent solution that all parties can agree to is reached.

Download a copy of the letter from the Chamber to the Mayor on this issue.

Contact Kerri Ginis, the Chamber's Government Affairs Manager for more information at (559) 495-4818 or kginis@fresnochamber.com