PETITION TO OPPOSE SPUD-1751 HOMELESS SHELTER AT 1317 W. RENO AVE. WE RESPECTFULLY URGE THE OKLAHOMA CITY COUNCIL TO DENY THE ZONING PROPOSAL SPUD-1751 that is proposing an Emergency Shelter and Feeding Site that will provide TRANSIENT SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS on a nightly basis and/or meals directly to the homeless; along with a medical clinic and outdoor eating area for the homeless. We ask that you SUPPORT the emerging Farmers Market community along W. Reno. We, the undersigned business owners, stakeholders, and community supporters of this area along West Reno, submit this petition to oppose the proposed homeless shelter and compound. We fully recognize the seriousness of homelessness and the responsibility of the City and others to assist those in need with compassion. However, opening a shelter in this location will undermine the long-term success and stability of the area at a critical moment in its development. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVALUATION Commercial property values are driven by market confidence and area desirability. Introducing a homeless shelter into our local community will negatively affect these factors and result in a decline in property values, making it harder to attract investors, tenants, and long-term community partners. PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIME CONCERNS While we do not entirely equate homelessness with criminal behavior, data shows that the areas surrounding shelters often experience an increase in crimes such as theft, assaults, vandalism, and loitering. This reality will create safety concerns for everyone, ultimately reducing activity in the area. INCREASED PROPERTY DAMAGE AND MAINTENANCE COSTS Businesses will experience increased property damage and a greater burden of maintenance in the vicinity of a shelter. Public resources will also be stretched to meet heightened needs for cleanup and enforcement, drawing funding and focus away from broader improvements. REDUCED CONSUMER AND INVESTOR CONFIDENCE The presence of a homeless shelter will damage perceptions of the area in a way that dissuades customers and investors. As a newly emerging district, this area is still shaping its identity and reputation —both of which are vital to attracting long-term commercial interest and foot traffic. DISRUPTION TO EARLY-STAGE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT This area along W. Reno is in the early stages of building a thriving commercial ecosystem, known as the Farmers Market area. A homeless shelter will disrupt that growth before it can take root. Businesses are investing in the community with great expectations of growth — and that vision will be seriously compromised. We are not opposed to the City and other investors effort to address homelessness—we simply believe that this location is not appropriate for such a facility, given the economic and developmental goals of this district. We respectfully urge the City to deny SPUD-1751 and support our community’s growth and future. Thank you for your time, attention, and willingness to consider the concerns of the community. Sincerely, All who are working to promote the growth of OKC and this area.