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Post by alleycat on Jul 26, 2014 15:47:19 GMT -4
Probably always going to be a certain percentage of undesirables in such a situation, whether it be criminal, unstable or what, to make people uncomfortable with it in their back yard. Then potentially it's not our own community but any county's. Of course, they have to be helped somehow, but there are obvious cocerns. The county,s amenities...trail, beaches, etc., are becoming less and less welcoming to its citizens. A little less feeling of safety on the trail, etc. Is usage of the trail and beaches going to go down?
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Post by pineapple head on Jul 26, 2014 17:45:33 GMT -4
Homeless will be allowed in from other counties. When asked about this, Haven Ministries director, Krista, has already stated they will not turn away people in need of shelter. Having volunteered at shelters in Baltimore, I know it is standard practice to call other shelters when you're at capacity. Therefore, you can expect surrounding counties to call this shelter and fill it up all year long. yes, I said ALL YEAR LONG. Krista also said the shelter will expand beyond it's limited schedule that it has now. Get the current shelter out of your head. This is not an apples to apples comparison. And yes, I do not want to live next to a homeless shelter. Neither does krista... She moved out of the area. How about we leave private individuals out of this and stick to the NIMBY paranoia? Whether you agree or disagree with this project (regardless of location) the work these people have done and the hours they have volunteered merit just a bit of respect and discretion -- commenting on their personal lives crosses lines.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 26, 2014 18:31:05 GMT -4
Homeless will be allowed in from other counties. When asked about this, Haven Ministries director, Krista, has already stated they will not turn away people in need of shelter. Having volunteered at shelters in Baltimore, I know it is standard practice to call other shelters when you're at capacity. Therefore, you can expect surrounding counties to call this shelter and fill it up all year long. yes, I said ALL YEAR LONG. Krista also said the shelter will expand beyond it's limited schedule that it has now. Get the current shelter out of your head. This is not an apples to apples comparison. And yes, I do not want to live next to a homeless shelter. Neither does krista... She moved out of the area. How about we leave private individuals out of this and stick to the NIMBY paranoia? Whether you agree or disagree with this project (regardless of location) the work these people have done and the hours they have volunteered merit just a bit of respect and discretion -- commenting on their personal lives crosses lines. The executive director of a non-profit that does charitable work for the public with tax payer money isn't free from public scrutiny. sorry. That's like saying people shouldn't comment on a politician's personal decisions/actions. She knew the project was coming to Stevensville and she left. That's very relevant.
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Post by pineapple head on Jul 26, 2014 18:41:12 GMT -4
How about we leave private individuals out of this and stick to the NIMBY paranoia? Whether you agree or disagree with this project (regardless of location) the work these people have done and the hours they have volunteered merit just a bit of respect and discretion -- commenting on their personal lives crosses lines. The executive director of a non-profit that does charitable work for the public with tax payer money isn't free from public scrutiny. sorry. That's like saying people shouldn't comment on a politician's personal decisions/actions. She knew the project was coming to Stevensville and she left. That's very relevant. You assume a lot, and are stoking a lot of hype based on very little knowledge. I won't alter your self-righteous, uninformed stance so I won't try further. I'll just hope everyone can be a bit more courteous and open-minded during the public forum.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 26, 2014 19:06:12 GMT -4
[/quote]You assume a lot, and are stoking a lot of hype based on very little knowledge. I won't alter your self-righteous, uninformed stance so I won't try further. I'll just hope everyone can be a bit more courteous and open-minded during the public forum.[/quote]
That's a bit ignorant... Wouldn't it be more accurate to say those who push the shelter on the community under the guise of "doing god's work" are the self righteous ones?
And the only assumption I've made has been about the director's relocation. Further, I'd say I'm much more informed than most. That's 99% of the problem here. If the project was more transparent to the community in which it's going, we wouldn't have this thread.
You're right about one thing, YOU won't change my stance. I hope the town hall does.
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Post by emsguru on Jul 27, 2014 8:40:42 GMT -4
If this project was very transparent to the community they would be spending soo much money fighting people in court. Did they break any zoning laws? If not then I cannot imagine there is much we could do about their location.
If they came to the community for input I cannot imagine that many, if anyone would be 100% cool with it being close to their homes. Most would suggest building it in the middle of a farm, surrounded by a moat with piranhas, surrounded by 10 feet high barbed wire fence. Oh and around the clock armed security to keep them inside.
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Post by lainey on Jul 28, 2014 12:41:30 GMT -4
Oscar, you were not even aware of the shelter being there for the last several years so I dont understand why you think the worst will come to the neighborhood now that they are expanding. They have been there, living nicely with the neighbors. What is the problem now? The location seems appropriate to me, in walking distance to schools and jobs and services. From my understanding the shelter has very strict rules and has not had any major issues.
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Post by frankf on Jul 28, 2014 12:53:23 GMT -4
Dear Haven Ministry supporters, In order to counter misinformation that is being spread through the community, please read the top complaints and our responses below. Do you transport people from other counties for your shelter programs? No, we serve people who are homeless in Queen Anne’s county. We do not transport homeless from other shelters, nor do other shelters in Maryland transport guests to us. There are homeless people who live throughout QA County. 183 individuals (adults and children) identify themselves as homeless in Queen Anne’s County – numbers compiled by QAC Dept. of Social Services. Why build an 8,623 sq. ft. facility at this location? The funding we receive for the new facility has zoning restrictions that do not apply to every area. After years of planning this facility, we researched many areas. The State Street location is at the end of the road nestled among a construction lot, Department of Transportation storage, auto garage and salvage lots – and is appropriately zoned. The building allows us to combine our programs under one roof and is designed to not only house people safely, but to enhance our ability to help our guests. The space includes an administrative office, computer areas, children’s playroom, commercial kitchen, elevators, live-in staff efficiency and a meeting room. There are not any buildings in QA County designed in this unique way. We researched all possibilities presented to us for several years. Why place this facility close to the Cross Island Trail and Parks? Haven Ministries has already safely operated a transitional housing program for four years in the exact same location as the new facility. There have not been safety issues or complaints. This safety record also stands for the winter homeless shelter that is currently located out of Kent Island United Methodist Church – a church that housed a school during the week. The homeless population already uses the trail, the library and other public areas each day; we are providing them with a safe place to stay and resources to help them get back on their feet. Haven Ministries screens all guests and has strict policies and procedures we adhere to. For information on the safety record of Haven Ministries programs, please call the Sherriff’s office. Thank you for your support and please come out to the community meeting Aug. 25 at 6pm, Thomas Percy Senior Center, Stevensville.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 28, 2014 14:18:17 GMT -4
Oscar, you were not even aware of the shelter being there for the last several years so I dont understand why you think the worst will come to the neighborhood now that they are expanding. They have been there, living nicely with the neighbors. What is the problem now? The location seems appropriate to me, in walking distance to schools and jobs and services. From my understanding the shelter has very strict rules and has not had any major issues. What's wrong with you people? The Shelter has not been "there" for the last several year. It's a transitional home that's located there now. And it's only 1000 sq ft. That's a big difference from a 8800 square foot transitional home AND SHELTER!
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Post by emsguru on Jul 28, 2014 14:36:29 GMT -4
Well I was at Love point park today. I was on alert for one of these "homeless" folks to come by and murder my daughter and I! Thankfully none showed up.
This now explains all the unsolved murders in Harbor view the last few winters! (obviously this is sarcasm)
Be thankful that you're not next to transitional group type homes that are popping up in the middle of neighborhoods. I've been to a few on 911 type calls (not in this county) and I've read horror stories in the Capital about them in AACO. But the common complaints are late night noises, loitering, and trash. But maybe if this homeless shelter destroys your property values then you can convert your house to a group home and make a profit. Just a thought! lol
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Post by lainey on Jul 28, 2014 14:57:13 GMT -4
Oscar, you were not even aware of the shelter being there for the last several years so I dont understand why you think the worst will come to the neighborhood now that they are expanding. They have been there, living nicely with the neighbors. What is the problem now? The location seems appropriate to me, in walking distance to schools and jobs and services. From my understanding the shelter has very strict rules and has not had any major issues. What's wrong with you people? The Shelter has not been "there" for the last several year. It's a transitional home that's located there now. And it's only 1000 sq ft. That's a big difference from a 8800 square foot transitional home AND SHELTER! What is wrong with us? Nothing. We have known about the shelter and have never heard of any problems with the shelter on State Street. Im not seeing the problems you are seeing. You are the only one here who seems to have an issue with it.
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Post by pineapple head on Jul 28, 2014 14:59:45 GMT -4
Oscar, you were not even aware of the shelter being there for the last several years so I dont understand why you think the worst will come to the neighborhood now that they are expanding. They have been there, living nicely with the neighbors. What is the problem now? The location seems appropriate to me, in walking distance to schools and jobs and services. From my understanding the shelter has very strict rules and has not had any major issues. What's wrong with you people? The Shelter has not been "there" for the last several year. It's a transitional home that's located there now. And it's only 1000 sq ft. That's a big difference from a 8800 square foot transitional home AND SHELTER! How terribly inconvenient for you that this project has been publically planned since before you ever moved to the area ... www.stardem.com/news/local_news/article_bd912815-c4c3-55cd-a745-41de932485a7.htmlBut don't let that interfere with your love of inflammatory hyperbole! (Last one in, shut the door! Not in my back yard!)
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 28, 2014 15:57:21 GMT -4
What's wrong with you people? The Shelter has not been "there" for the last several year. It's a transitional home that's located there now. And it's only 1000 sq ft. That's a big difference from a 8800 square foot transitional home AND SHELTER! How terribly inconvenient for you that this project has been publically planned since before you ever moved to the area ... www.stardem.com/news/local_news/article_bd912815-c4c3-55cd-a745-41de932485a7.htmlBut don't let that interfere with your love of inflammatory hyperbole! (Last one in, shut the door! Not in my back yard!) I find it amazingly hilarious that the person who previously accused me of making assumptions is now assuming when I moved to Kent Island...
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 28, 2014 15:58:49 GMT -4
What's wrong with you people? The Shelter has not been "there" for the last several year. It's a transitional home that's located there now. And it's only 1000 sq ft. That's a big difference from a 8800 square foot transitional home AND SHELTER! What is wrong with us? Nothing. We have known about the shelter and have never heard of any problems with the shelter on State Street. Im not seeing the problems you are seeing. You are the only one here who seems to have an issue with it. THERE ARE NO SHELTERS ON STATE STREET!!!!
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Post by pineapple head on Jul 28, 2014 16:32:11 GMT -4
I find it amazingly hilarious that the person who previously accused me of making assumptions is now assuming when I moved to Kent Island... I'm not that hypocritical -- I believe the answer would be on or about August 2011, based on your blog. Not that I care when you moved here, just trying to keep things in perspective. You have every right to reasonable questions and concerns, but if this blindsided you it is because you were not as informed as you could have been, not because the intentions were not publically disclosed long ago. Hopefully the upcoming forum will air out the facts for all.
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Post by frankf on Jul 28, 2014 16:39:51 GMT -4
Not to be surprised, but when posting FACTS taken from other sources, like the SHELTER PERSONNEL THEMSELVES, Oscarsdad4 started with the karma wars... The shelter on State Street has been there for a number of years. Have you called and confirmed with the Sheriff's office Oscarsdad4? What was their response? I see you throwing around how terrible it is going to be but no FACTS whatsoever. Now if you just don't care about or for homeless people, just say so and own it. And yes there is a shelter on State Street. 325 State Street. companies.findthebest.com/l/9491762/Haven-Ministries-Inc-in-Stevensville-MDAnd there it is. Surrounded by businesses...
And here's the real estate page on ownership.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 28, 2014 16:45:27 GMT -4
Not to be surprised, but when posting FACTS taken from other sources, like the SHELTER PERSONNEL THEMSELVES, Oscarsdad4 started with the karma wars... The shelter on State Street has been there for a number of years. Have you called and confirmed with the Sheriff's office Oscarsdad4? What was their response? I see you throwing around how terrible it is going to be but no FACTS whatsoever. Now if you just don't care about or for homeless people, just say so and own it. And yes there is a shelter on State Street. 325 State Street. companies.findthebest.com/l/9491762/Haven-Ministries-Inc-in-Stevensville-MDI don't know what karma wars are. There is a transitional home on state street. Not a homeless shelter. I don't know how many different ways to say this the shelter is at KIUMC. FACT!!! I have spoken with the sherrif and confirmed Kent Island united Methodist church's shelter has been very good when it comes to crime. However, they are very concerned with the increase in size and the location of the new planned shelter over to state street. A dead end road that backs to a trail is not very accessible for them.
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Post by frankf on Jul 28, 2014 16:49:00 GMT -4
I don't know what karma wars are. You do know that you can see who's doing the smiting right? ;-)
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 28, 2014 16:51:10 GMT -4
I don't know what karma wars are. You do know that you can see who's doing the smiting right? ;-) I don't understand what that term means either. I click on the little link below your name to see if I could learn more about your opinions and some number changed. never done it before and never will do it again. enjoy your funny little terms
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Post by Frank on Jul 29, 2014 8:45:15 GMT -4
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925ss
New Member
Posts: 23
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Post by 925ss on Jul 29, 2014 12:39:19 GMT -4
The executive director of a non-profit that does charitable work for the public with tax payer money isn't free from public scrutiny. sorry. That's like saying people shouldn't comment on a politician's personal decisions/actions. She knew the project was coming to Stevensville and she left. That's very relevant. You assume a lot, and are stoking a lot of hype based on very little knowledge. I won't alter your self-righteous, uninformed stance so I won't try further. I'll just hope everyone can be a bit more courteous and open-minded during the public forum. I agree with the statement above about assuming, we all know where that gets you. Mrs. Pettit moved for occupational reasons having nothing to do with the shelter. Her husband, who is a pastor, was assigned to a church in Royal Oak, MD. That is the reason for her moving...nothing more, nothing less.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 29, 2014 12:59:41 GMT -4
You assume a lot, and are stoking a lot of hype based on very little knowledge. I won't alter your self-righteous, uninformed stance so I won't try further. I'll just hope everyone can be a bit more courteous and open-minded during the public forum. I agree with the statement above about assuming, we all know where that gets you. Mrs. Pettit moved for occupational reasons having nothing to do with the shelter. Her husband, who is a pastor, was assigned to a church in Royal Oak, MD. That is the reason for her moving...nothing more, nothing less. Fair enough. You're right that I was inferring she may have moved because of this new facility. Clearly, that's not the case. This thread has turned into a battle between me and two people who have poor reading comprehension and keep accusing me of not presenting facts. If you reread my posts, you'll see virtually nothing but facts. The facebook posts on Kent Island Online's page are indicative of the community's general lack of awareness of this project. Further, every business owner and resident near the planned facility that I've talked to has had no clue about this until my mentioning of it. That's a problem. These types of projects require public notice and hearings; the grants involved required the same. If that happened and EVERYONE missed it (including the sheriff), so be it. If it didn't, it's a totally different situation. Regardless, the town hall will be a good time for the impacted community members to voice their concerns and LEARN the facts about this planned facility.
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Post by lainey on Jul 29, 2014 13:55:31 GMT -4
Yes, I agree that people need to learn the facts. The home on State street has been used for the last 4 years as "transitional" housing for the homeless, in other words, a shelter. So has the KIUMC in Harbor View during the winter months only. This is not new. The expansion of the facilities on State Street is new. The housing crisis many folks in our community face is not new. Krista has run a very tight and clean ship right on State street for the last 4 years. I am not aware of any public notice requirements that you are speaking of above or any grant requirements that would involve a public notice and meeting. This is being done by a private non profit, not a government entity.
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Post by OscarsDad4 on Jul 29, 2014 14:16:03 GMT -4
Yes, I agree that people need to learn the facts. The home on State street has been used for the last 4 years as "transitional" housing for the homeless, in other words, a shelter. So has the KIUMC in Harbor View during the winter months only. This is not new. The expansion of the facilities on State Street is new. The housing crisis many folks in our community face is not new. Krista has run a very tight and clean ship right on State street for the last 4 years. I am not aware of any public notice requirements that you are speaking of above or any grant requirements that would involve a public notice and meeting. This is being done by a private non profit, not a government entity. The grants used for this facility are Community Development Block Grants. Read about them.. They require public notice and hearings prior to the government’s final resolution. The property at State Street required similar public notice and hearings for its rezoning to Commercial. Again, transitional housing is not the same thing as a shelter. I can’t believe this doesn’t make sense to you guys. A transitional house requires residents to obtain a job and work with a case worker. They must take trainings and other types of development courses in an effort to get them back onto their own two feet. Residents come and go as their work schedules dictate and the house operates as their home. It’s a great thing and I would support a 9000 square foot transitional house in my backyard… maybe not literally since it wouldn’t fit. A shelter is totally different. It operates over night for folks without any requirement of employment or self-help program participation (even though that’s usually encouraged). Those that utilize the shelter cannot stay during the day. There are restrictions on sex offenders (I’m not sure about other types of crimes) and they are not allowed to enter if they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are countless statistics that indicate an increase in nuisance crime that correlates to the presence of a shelter. There are other statistics indicating a significant increase in VIOLENT crime amongst those that bounce from shelter to shelter. Considering the change in location and the increase in size of the shelter, there’s a VALID argument to be made for citizens to be concerned. That’s why the town hall is needed… people can voice their concerns and LEARN about the planned facility. I hope you enjoyed my facts above… no hyperbolic statements or my self-righteous diatribe.
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Post by lainey on Jul 29, 2014 14:46:57 GMT -4
Are there any community development block grants being used on this specific expansion? And why change the zoning to commercial? Isn't this housing? Current zoning should cover them.
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