PY Chronicle Express 2-8-12
Last Updated on Thursday, 1 March 2012 08:00 Written by harris Thursday, 1 March 2012 08:00
February 8, 2012
“Middlesex Residents Face Off with State.“ The complete story can be found on line at: http://www.chronicle-express.com/features/x574394273/Middlesex-residents-face-off-with-state?zc_p=2&img=2
The following are excerpts from that article. Since a number of people have expressed skepticism about the words and promises which Mr. Feeney made to the group, we exclude most of the reporting of his words.
Impact On One Family: “Feb. 8 is moving day for Bonnie Dunton, but her sister, Tracy, and many others who live in theVine Valley neighborhood of Middlesex that Bonnie has called home for 17 years, dread what’s coming. Tracy says Bonnie won’t understand that her trip from Middlesex to Waterloo is permanent. ‘She’s going to think she’s going for a ride and she’ll be waiting for someone to come and take her back home,’ saysTracy. Bonnie, 57, is one of nine residents of a group home who will be moved from the place they have lived for several years to new homes because their house at 6166 South Vine Valley Road is no longer safe for them, according to state officials. Tracy was among about 90 people who met at the Middlesex Fire Hall Feb. 4 to hear an explanation from Michael Feeney….”.
Local Organizing: “The meeting wasn’t called by state officials. Rather, it was organized by a grassroots community group that quickly organized after becoming aware of the state’s plans for the house that has been a group home for developmentally disabled adults.”
”Middlesex residents … are angry that people who have become members of their neighborhood are being forced to move away to new, unfamiliar communities….They are upset that state officials have not communicated with family members except through phone calls about the anticipated moves.”
“Middlesex residents also are concerned that state officials have not notified Middlesex town officials about the potential for a change in the use of the property… Some are scared that the new occupants of the home could be registered sex offenders.”
Selected Comments by Michael Feeney and his aides:
“Sherilyn Coleman-Ferrer, OPWDD deputy director of program operations told the Middlesex crowd that she first saw a list of state-operated group homes in the Finger Lakes that do not meet the new state building code standards in late November.”
”Feeney acknowledges that 20 percent of the 120 people living in the Monroe Developmental Center now are registered sex offenders, and that there is a possibility that one or more of them could be moved to Middlesex after the house is renovated.”
A Promise: “We love this community, We love these people and this home,” says Lersch, adding, “We’re mobilizing. We’re storming the gate. This is not going to end. This is community at its best.”
Note: In the original and paper issue, Dawn Kane (who has chaired the last two community meetings) is named erroneously as “Dawn King” in the article. God is erroneously called ‘god.’ Bob Multer’s comments, recounted by Ms. Chamberlain, can be found elsewhere on this website.
The above are only excerpts;
please visit the Chronicle to read all the details.
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