No Permits for For Park Use

by | Apr 24, 2025 | Longview City Council, Politics

Dear City Council Member,

I just read that the Longview City Council is considering requiring all use of the park at the Civic Circle to require a permit. I am appalled. I have lived in Longview, Washington all my life and lived at The Monticello for a few years and enjoyed that park many times. I have enjoyed meeting friends there, with intention and by accident. I have also met homeless people there who just wanted a kind word and a prayer. I have never had a bad experience at any of our beautiful parks.

I believe that each person is valuable and entitled to respect. I know many families that can’t afford the cost and time it takes to get a park permit. But I do believe that the main reason that you are seeking to lock people out of this park is to curtail the homeless people that have no place to go because you have not provided one.

I understand that many of my neighbors do not want their tax dollars to pay for these people. They have judged them as unworthy and maybe a few of them are, but many of them are mentally ill and need help. They come to covered areas because they need to get away from the elements. As someone with volunteer experience with The Salvation Army, Love Overwhelming and Living Ministries I have had first hand experiences with the people I am referring to and the people that hate them. As someone that has become chronically ill, my family has been in a state of homelessness for the last 10 years, either living with friends, in motels or hotels because it is hard to get into stable housing when you make too much for help, but not enough to save for first and last months rent.

Please do not punish every taxpayer in Longview with a rule because a few loud speaking people don’t want to make room for some people that don’t have enough resources to find a home, or maybe can’t handle the idea of living indoors because of PTSD. In fact, please be inspired to offer a safe place for people to go with restrooms, lighting, minimal security, and parking so that these complaints don’t have to be heard as frequently because police have a safe place to bring people to.

If I could have come to the meeting tonight, I would, but I already had plans with family. Please consider what I have to say with an open heart, from a lifelong Longview citizen that wants to see all of our citizens cared for.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson