Potential Man Camps in Stutsman County - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

For Melissa Gleason, her family moved out to the Homer township, south east of Jamestown, because of the peace and quiet, the community has to offer.

"We were attracted because of the location," says Gleason. But she's afraid that could all change. "We have heard people are inquiring about putting crew camps right next to the house," says Gleason.

She says when she first heard a man camp could become her new neighbor, she freaked. "I have 3 children and that does come to a concern about the safety," says Gleason. As of now, in Stutsman County, there are no ordinances regarding man camps. That's why residents say something needs to be done quick. Stutsman County zoning administrator Dustin Bakken, says they are working to put a plan in place.

"We want to generate an ordinance that would at least deter facilities from going to close to residential neighborhoods," says Bakken. Bakken says he knows that people are concerned about the possibility of man camps moving in, but with a new ethanol plant and wind facility being built in the area, creating hundreds of jobs, people will need a place to live.

"Right now, there are 25 homes for sale in the Jamestown area and crew camps may be a viable option," says Bakken. For Gleason, she just hopes that option won't be her backyard. "I'd love to see that there is a mile and a half radius between residential and this temporary housing."

 There will be another meeting with in the next couple of weeks regarding the man camp ordinance.