As a small business owner just up the street from the proposed legal campsite at 244 E Grant Road in Ward 3, Tucson, and a member of the neighborhood association in Balboa Heights, I am deeply concerned about the city's plan. We have worked tirelessly to clean up and revitalize our community, transforming it into a welcoming and safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The establishment of a legal campsite could undo much of this progress and bring about a host of new challenges.

The proposed site, located in a busy area of Grant Road, raises multiple issues. The potential increase in foot traffic by the unhoused population, loitering, theft and drug use will deter customers from visiting local businesses. This can severely impact the livelihoods of small business owners already struggling to recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic and existing problems in ward 3. Furthermore, there is the real concern of safety, both for the residents and for the campers themselves, given the area's infrastructure and resources. Understanding the site is for women and nonbinary persons and that our police are over worked enough, how can we be assured the people camping in this site will be safe? 

Statistically, cities that have attempted similar solutions without comprehensive support systems in place often struggle to maintain order and safety, leading to an increase in crime rates and strain on local resources. As is, statistically, we know Tucsons crime is majority committed by the homeless.
Instead of an isolated campsite, Tucson should focus on providing integrated support solutions for the homeless population that include mental health services, drug rehabilitation, job training programs, and permanent housing initiatives.

Our community deserves a sustainable solution that supports both its current residents and those in need. By directing efforts towards long-term, compassionate strategies, we can ensure a brighter future for all Tucson inhabitants without sacrificing the hard-won improvements of Ward 3.

Help us stop the creation of this campsite on Grant Road and encourage the city to consider more effective, community-centric solutions. Sign the petition to preserve the progress we have made in Ward 3 and ensure our neighborhood continues to thrive.