The problem our community and others face regarding the homeless is that
neighborhoods are not generally welcoming to them, and very few sites are
properly zoned, affordable, and within walking distance of services.
The Pine Street location we have identified is is the
only site in our community that we are aware of that appears to meet those
criteria, and in addition enjoys the significant buffers provided by the highway
and Pine Street as well as access to adjoining public lands. Those are among the
reasons the site was acquired by its existing owners in 2010 as a potential NAMI
(National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) clubhouse, campground, and community
garden. The NAMI group didn’t make use of it, and the owners now need to pass on
ownership to others.
Since it presents an opportunity for our community to
meet a pressing public need, unless another site is identified that is found to
be as suitable or unless we are willing to ignore that need, our attention needs
to be directed to how the site can best be operated for the mutual benefit of
the neighborhood, our homeless residents, and the community. We hope we all can approach
the issue on that basis, and have begun meeting with the neighbors to discuss how
to accomplish this.
