Laura
05-08-2008, 09:33 AM
http://www.silive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/1210160726103770.xml&coll=1
CB 3 panel approves residence for developmentally disabled
Human Resources Committee gives its unanimous OK despite opposition
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
By KIAWANA RICH
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Community Board 3's Human Resources Committee met last night in the board's Rossville headquarters and voted unanimously in favor of a community residence for the developmentally disabled.
The vote belied the sentiment of the 80-plus South Shore residents in attendance, who claimed the facility would be out of character for the neighborhood, would decrease property values and increase traffic.
"We moved to the South Shore because it was suburban, it was the last bastion of country in New York City. There's no other place like it in the five boroughs," Joe Percoco told committee members.
Still, he noted, "It charges the highest property taxes. We were the last people to be civilized with sewers, and then you turn around and you say, 'Now that you've finally made a few dollars, we are going to stick it to you because you are a good community,'" he said to loud applause.
The controversy centers on a community residence to be established by the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office at 277 Darlington Ave., Huguenot. The home would house up to 10 adults, who are ambulatory and have mild to severe mental retardation. There would be 24-hour supervision under the auspices of the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
When Jim Stanley of SIDDSO rebutted their perceived lowering of property values with mention of studies, residents demanded to see the studies -- "we want evidence that it doesn't reduce the property values."
Several expressed incredulity that the state would spend close to $949,000, on a home that includes a swimming pool and a jungle gym.
But Stanley said this particular home is ideal, with ample first-floor space for bedrooms. The pool, he said, would be used for therapy.
One of the few speaking in favor of the residence was Jackie Tripodi of Great Kills, whose 15-year-old has cerebral palsy.
"My son has the right to live on the South Shore of Staten Island ... so when you talk about property values are more important than ... what he has to contribute ... I find it insulting.
"It is not by choice that he has cerebral palsy. He doesn't care about property taxes, he only cares about being part of the community."
"We felt it didn't change the character of the community," said Committee chairman John Cassese after the meeting. But the board included a recommendation that a respite bed for consumers who temporarily stay on site be eliminated.
The issue will go to the full board on May 27.
© 2008 Staten Island Advance© 2008 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.
CB 3 panel approves residence for developmentally disabled
Human Resources Committee gives its unanimous OK despite opposition
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
By KIAWANA RICH
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Community Board 3's Human Resources Committee met last night in the board's Rossville headquarters and voted unanimously in favor of a community residence for the developmentally disabled.
The vote belied the sentiment of the 80-plus South Shore residents in attendance, who claimed the facility would be out of character for the neighborhood, would decrease property values and increase traffic.
"We moved to the South Shore because it was suburban, it was the last bastion of country in New York City. There's no other place like it in the five boroughs," Joe Percoco told committee members.
Still, he noted, "It charges the highest property taxes. We were the last people to be civilized with sewers, and then you turn around and you say, 'Now that you've finally made a few dollars, we are going to stick it to you because you are a good community,'" he said to loud applause.
The controversy centers on a community residence to be established by the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office at 277 Darlington Ave., Huguenot. The home would house up to 10 adults, who are ambulatory and have mild to severe mental retardation. There would be 24-hour supervision under the auspices of the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
When Jim Stanley of SIDDSO rebutted their perceived lowering of property values with mention of studies, residents demanded to see the studies -- "we want evidence that it doesn't reduce the property values."
Several expressed incredulity that the state would spend close to $949,000, on a home that includes a swimming pool and a jungle gym.
But Stanley said this particular home is ideal, with ample first-floor space for bedrooms. The pool, he said, would be used for therapy.
One of the few speaking in favor of the residence was Jackie Tripodi of Great Kills, whose 15-year-old has cerebral palsy.
"My son has the right to live on the South Shore of Staten Island ... so when you talk about property values are more important than ... what he has to contribute ... I find it insulting.
"It is not by choice that he has cerebral palsy. He doesn't care about property taxes, he only cares about being part of the community."
"We felt it didn't change the character of the community," said Committee chairman John Cassese after the meeting. But the board included a recommendation that a respite bed for consumers who temporarily stay on site be eliminated.
The issue will go to the full board on May 27.
© 2008 Staten Island Advance© 2008 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.