Warming Center should close Public Comment from Michele DeMarisAimee Brunckhorst
From: Michele DeMaris <Michele.DeMaris@abbottconstruction.com>
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2024 12:53 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Warming Center should close
I live in Buffalo Stage in Kalispell. I'm training for a walking marathon and the easiest way to walk long distances on
contiguous sidewalks is to go down Meridian to Idaho Street and beyond.
A couple weeks ago I was doing just that and was across the street from the Warming Center when a man approached
me on the sidewalk. As I saw him walk my way, he was flailing his arms repeatedly and shouting the "F***" word over
and over again. I became afraid, but couldn't cross traffic without risking getting hit. Fortunately, it was a work day, so I
quickly ran into the Northwestern Energy lobby that, thank God, was close by. I felt very vulnerable and extremely
grateful that someone was around to help me. One of the men in that office went outside with me and we watched
until the crazy man disappeared from view.
The Northwestern Energy worker recommended I wear bear spray in the future for dealing with such folks. Has it really
come to this in Kalispell now? I shouldn't have to wear bear spray or wonder if I should be carrying my gun in order to
feel safe on a public street in the middle of the day, for heaven's sakes. No, I should be breathing fresh air, noticing the
beautiful big sky country, and clearing my mind as I walk.
This Warming Center is a dangerous magnet for drug addicts, alcoholics, criminals, and people who can't function well
enough to work for a living. I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule, but we all know that crime in the area of the
Center has skyrocketed.
Please do the right thing tonight and make certain that this Center remains closed for good. Let's take Kalispell back and
make our town the safe place it once was.
Michele DeMaris
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