9/1/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

also 'have a lower energy level. Actually they make very fine neighbors, and can contribute to the neighborhood. (William Koolage, 815 26th Ave., supported the concept of group homes, but he felt the Board has opened up a large area by addressing group homes in general and that it should be defined cleanly. He was concerned about group homes for elderly citizens who dant live independently. Mr. Koolage encouraged the concept. Ray Scent, concerned citizen, noted that 45 minutes have beenlspent talking about economics, which he finds abhorrent. The group home already has been given a permit; there are state agencies that determine the standards needed for these type faciljities; and he felt strongly that you don't put dollar values on human lives. He felt the only thing germane to the issue is whether we can put together a family group that can live in a neighborhood - not the dollars. Commissioner Eggert believed that it behooves the County Commllssion and the Planning Department to determine whether this home ',has been planned for in a way that it will be successful. William Streeter, president of the Association for Retarded Citizens, presented the Board with a petition signed by about 240 citilens in support of the group home. Said petition is on file in t e Office of Clerk to the Board. Thomas Dixon came before the Board representing the Vero/Treasure Coast Kiwanis Club, which has been supporting the ARC In all its projects since 1979. He advised they are very much,in support of the group home. they stand ready to assist the ARC in any project they have; and they feel they will be a very good neighbor. Warren Winchester, noted that while he is a Vero Beach City Coun ilman, he is here speaking both as a private citizen and as one of the Board's appointees to District IX Mental Health Drug & Alcohol Advisory Council. Mr. Winchester believed there is a needlfor group homes related not only to mentally disabled, but 29 ROOK ' 69 4AGE 211 SEP1 19�