In response to Earl Netwal: You stated that: "Minneapolis' central neighborhoods provide a unique combination of architecturally sufficient facilities and the most effective mass transit system the state has to offer. Proximity makes the whole thing work particularly well. Proximity to county and city offices downtown, proximity to jobs downtown and in the periphery of downtown".
Lynne's response: The four neighborhoods of Stevens Square, Loring Heights, Whittier & Phillips have about 60% of all the supportive housing in the state. There are approximately 81 neighborhoods in Minneapolis right? I have to believe that the vast majority of these Minneapolis neighborhoods enjoy good access to jobs and bus routes, etc. I even believe that jobs and bus routes exist in Edina. Segregation is never justified, whether it is done for the sake of proximity to bus stops or otherwise. I've heard so many excuses in addition to yours. Lisa Goodman, councilwoman, has the nerve to say that a mansion on Mt. Curve Avenue (Kenwood) can't be converted to supportive housing because it isn't zoned properly, yet beautiful homes on my street (Ridgewood Avenue) can be converted (five have been so far) despite zoning laws saying otherwise. Why is it o.k. to throw out one zoning law and uphold another? You stated: "Living in a service rich neighborhood probably requires sharing a service rich neighborhood". Lynne's response: Your statement is not a far cry from the one made to me by a very rude woman leaving Plymouth Congregational Church: "Well, you chose to live here, what do you expect?". I chose to live here for the convenience to downtown and for the diversity of the neighborhoods...what I didn't bargain for was a de facto policy of segregation of mentally ill and chemically dependent persons by the City. How can anyone offer up excuses and justify this continued segregation when studies say that neighborhoods should not exceed 3% of this "special needs" population and within a 1/4 mile of Lydia House the special needs population is 28%. If Lydia House were to open this population would jump to 31%! Imagine a society where one in three people was mentally ill or chemically dependent. How tragic. When will we open our eyes and see that other Minneapolis neighborhoods are also rich in services? Why not consolidate two or three social service programs from our neighborhood into one facility in Kenwood or Edina? That would help reduce the 300+ programs currently operating in our area. This is about integration. Integration is healthy for everyone. It is healthy for all neighborhoods. We need to stop making excuses and start seeking properties in non-saturated neighborhoods that have ample access to jobs and transportation. Lynne Lowder Stevens-Square/Loring Heights neighborhood also check out: www.thelydiahouse.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
