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Homeless shelter expansion plan controversial with area residents
By Chris Engle, HT Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 3:52 PM EDT
The Friendship Shelter’s proposal to establish an eight-unit complex (including this new, four-unit building) on West Petoskey Street to house chronically-homeless individuals is drawing attention of the community, both condemning and supporting the project. Rendering by Jim Botnick-Bates, designer; Bradley J. Butcher & Associates.
GAYLORD — Seventy people showed up at Monday night’s Gaylord City Council meeting to talk about the housing project the Friendship Shelter is proposing in town. Some were for it; many were against.
If council approves the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) the shelter is seeking to help it establish an eight-unit housing complex at 700 W. Petoskey St. for chronically-homeless individuals, the shelter would save $449 a year in taxes. Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) — which awarded the shelter a $500,000 grant — requires a PILOT on such developments. Council voted 4-3 in favor of the proposal on its first reading; a second is slated for the Sept. 22 meeting.
The development would be strictly for single men or women — the shelter revised an earlier plan to include both sexes — with a history of chronic homelessness due to job loss or low income, disabilities, poor credit or other factors. Some may have mental or physical illness, others may have drug issues. They will be screened for violent, sexual or drug offenses. There will be an on-site manager/counselor to assist residents around the clock, and there will be access to shelter case workers. Residents will pay 30 percent of their income in rent.
The shelter has yet to put an offer on the property and adjacent lot. The area is zoned for multi-family housing.
In order for the residents “to be the most successful,” said shelter director Kathy Arndt, the project needs to be in town where they can walk or bike to and from work, or to medical appointments. To do so from the shelter — six miles out of town — on a daily basis is next to impossible, said Arndt. In addition, the development would free up space at the shelter so it may be used the way it is intended, to provide housing for families or individuals in temporary housing crises.
If council approves the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) the shelter is seeking to help it establish an eight-unit housing complex at 700 W. Petoskey St. for chronically-homeless individuals, the shelter would save $449 a year in taxes. Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) — which awarded the shelter a $500,000 grant — requires a PILOT on such developments. Council voted 4-3 in favor of the proposal on its first reading; a second is slated for the Sept. 22 meeting.
The development would be strictly for single men or women — the shelter revised an earlier plan to include both sexes — with a history of chronic homelessness due to job loss or low income, disabilities, poor credit or other factors. Some may have mental or physical illness, others may have drug issues. They will be screened for violent, sexual or drug offenses. There will be an on-site manager/counselor to assist residents around the clock, and there will be access to shelter case workers. Residents will pay 30 percent of their income in rent.
The shelter has yet to put an offer on the property and adjacent lot. The area is zoned for multi-family housing.
In order for the residents “to be the most successful,” said shelter director Kathy Arndt, the project needs to be in town where they can walk or bike to and from work, or to medical appointments. To do so from the shelter — six miles out of town — on a daily basis is next to impossible, said Arndt. In addition, the development would free up space at the shelter so it may be used the way it is intended, to provide housing for families or individuals in temporary housing crises.
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So the real question is: Is this the right place for such a complex?
Among the naysayers, Vic Ouellette of 418 N. Center Ave., circulated a petition to give 153 people in that neighborhood a united voice. Gaylord Mayor Gladys Solokis, who once also resided in that neighborhood, said, “It was my backyard, and I’d have to say ‘no.’” Even former shelter director Margaret Albert said she’d rather not see it in town.
Project proponent Ron Holt, the shelter’s housing specialist, told the council Monday he finds it “heartbreaking” every time he sees a shelter client relapse into addiction because of lack of support. Jim Coon, who lives next door to the proposed development and owns another nearby property, “would welcome a change in the neighborhood” and believes property values could rise.
Both sides expressed their opinions with vigor. Both drew applause.
How council voted:
Ayes: Steve Johnson, Joe Wambold, Pat Mankowski, Russ Jann
Nays: Todd Sharrard, Gladys Solokis, Gerald Campbell
Voices
“These individuals will have shown good moral character and a willingness to continue with services. They will be given the second chance that hasn’t existed for them until now.”
Kathy Arndt, Friendship Shelter director
“I’m certainly sympathetic to the position in society these people have been dealt, but putting them in that area does not seem appropriate. There seems to be too many variables, too many chances, and not enough guarantees.”
Vic Ouellette, resident of 418 N. Center Ave.
“I don’t want them there. It’s a residential area. Find another area please.”
Tony Kaly, resident of 702 W. Sheldon St.
“There’s always another side to the coin. We’ve had almost 80 people—mostly irresponsible—rent space (at the existing fourplex). I don’t know how it can get any worse than that. I look forward to having stability there and I have trust in the management of the homeless shelter. I would like to hear more about what is proposed and how we can help people get back on their feet.”
Jim Coon, resident of 901 Strawberry Ln.
“We’re trying to give them a structured setting where, if there are problems, we will know immediately. The ultimate goal is to see these people brought up and able to live on their own.”
Ron Holt, Friendship Shelter housing specialist
“I do not want it in town for the same reasons many of you do.”
Margaret Albert, former director of Friendship Shelter (2000)
“With the management there and a case worker following up, this is a win-win situation for the Friendship Shelter.”
Ron Chavey, Salvation Army director
“I really do believe this facility would be better if it wasn’t located in a residential district.”
Gerald Campbell, city councilman
“I appreciate everyone’s comments. Let’s pray the right decision comes out of this.”
Gladys Solokis, mayor
Among the naysayers, Vic Ouellette of 418 N. Center Ave., circulated a petition to give 153 people in that neighborhood a united voice. Gaylord Mayor Gladys Solokis, who once also resided in that neighborhood, said, “It was my backyard, and I’d have to say ‘no.’” Even former shelter director Margaret Albert said she’d rather not see it in town.
Project proponent Ron Holt, the shelter’s housing specialist, told the council Monday he finds it “heartbreaking” every time he sees a shelter client relapse into addiction because of lack of support. Jim Coon, who lives next door to the proposed development and owns another nearby property, “would welcome a change in the neighborhood” and believes property values could rise.
Both sides expressed their opinions with vigor. Both drew applause.
How council voted:
Ayes: Steve Johnson, Joe Wambold, Pat Mankowski, Russ Jann
Nays: Todd Sharrard, Gladys Solokis, Gerald Campbell
Voices
“These individuals will have shown good moral character and a willingness to continue with services. They will be given the second chance that hasn’t existed for them until now.”
Kathy Arndt, Friendship Shelter director
“I’m certainly sympathetic to the position in society these people have been dealt, but putting them in that area does not seem appropriate. There seems to be too many variables, too many chances, and not enough guarantees.”
Vic Ouellette, resident of 418 N. Center Ave.
“I don’t want them there. It’s a residential area. Find another area please.”
Tony Kaly, resident of 702 W. Sheldon St.
“There’s always another side to the coin. We’ve had almost 80 people—mostly irresponsible—rent space (at the existing fourplex). I don’t know how it can get any worse than that. I look forward to having stability there and I have trust in the management of the homeless shelter. I would like to hear more about what is proposed and how we can help people get back on their feet.”
Jim Coon, resident of 901 Strawberry Ln.
“We’re trying to give them a structured setting where, if there are problems, we will know immediately. The ultimate goal is to see these people brought up and able to live on their own.”
Ron Holt, Friendship Shelter housing specialist
“I do not want it in town for the same reasons many of you do.”
Margaret Albert, former director of Friendship Shelter (2000)
“With the management there and a case worker following up, this is a win-win situation for the Friendship Shelter.”
Ron Chavey, Salvation Army director
“I really do believe this facility would be better if it wasn’t located in a residential district.”
Gerald Campbell, city councilman
“I appreciate everyone’s comments. Let’s pray the right decision comes out of this.”
Gladys Solokis, mayor
18 comment(s)
PeterComings wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:56 PM:
" The paper took it's editorial stance, but both sides are welcome here. "
bullcrapaloney wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:43 PM:
" Kiddidios..You have issues...my opinion is mine, and I am entitled to it, as you are yours. Back off.. "
uncledude wrote on Sep 16, 2008 10:19 AM:
" One would be willing to see to see if this would be a success, if there was a track record for this type of treatment center, but there isn't any like it, this is a first, ask yourself what the difference is between where they are now and this place, other than the coat of paint in a new building, there will be a monitor to help them with functioning in the world, sound liike a treatment center, also the homeless shelter will on occassion kick out people who can't or won't follow the rules, out the door good bye, what happens when they people relapse, there ejected into the streets again, the big problem is these are not people who are already here, they will be bussed here from all over the state, and if gaylord lets this one in soon gaylord will have its own version of the saginaw, flint , detroit and gaylord projects, and the possiblity of something
happening is not a question of if but when,people just recently were ejected from the homeless shelter, but you don't see that in this fish wrap, it has very little to do with compasion, more to do with looking out a the children and the old , bad choices, and the excuse that they are excempt from the law because of a mental illness is a poor excuse for allowing some with the conditions that they have to be put into a area with so many children, thats what its about, the kids, motel next to homeless shelter is for sale, so is the store, by both and let them work and live there. "
happening is not a question of if but when,people just recently were ejected from the homeless shelter, but you don't see that in this fish wrap, it has very little to do with compasion, more to do with looking out a the children and the old , bad choices, and the excuse that they are excempt from the law because of a mental illness is a poor excuse for allowing some with the conditions that they have to be put into a area with so many children, thats what its about, the kids, motel next to homeless shelter is for sale, so is the store, by both and let them work and live there. "
You Gotta Be Kidding wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:16 PM:
" I think I have the solution. Thanks to Gov. Engler, and all of the unemployed physicians, nurses, and aides, that are struggling since he left office, we can put THEM in this proposed homeless shelter expansion.
Who would not want Doctors and nurses living in their neighborhood. "
Who would not want Doctors and nurses living in their neighborhood. "
FlightRisk wrote on Sep 14, 2008 11:42 AM:
" Well, mom Kiddidios, you can thank former Governor Engler, who by the way moved out of the State of Michigan and impoverished the State’s economy after his terms in office, for shutting down the majority of Michigan’s state mental institutions, which is why many of the addicts and people afflicted with mental illness are out on the streets. What about their safety?
Kiddidios, as per your Wikipedia search; you list a plethora of reasons why people are homeless. Why don’t you just take all those that are less fortunate than you and exterminate them, like Hitler did? Perhaps then maybe YOUR society would be perfect. Furthermore, not only did Engler cast them to the curb, in the process, he put many physicians, nurses, aides, maintenance workers, etc., out of a job and made them a statistic of unemployment.
The current location on South Old 27 is populated with children and elderly nearby, too. Many children of families, who reside with elderly grandparents, reside near the present location and have to walk to school bus stops located near the shelter. So what’s your point about safety? It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live; your guarantee of security is never 100%.
To benefit the homeless by offering nearby employment, shopping, and medical care, I still consider it a good idea to relocate the shelter in town. "
Kiddidios, as per your Wikipedia search; you list a plethora of reasons why people are homeless. Why don’t you just take all those that are less fortunate than you and exterminate them, like Hitler did? Perhaps then maybe YOUR society would be perfect. Furthermore, not only did Engler cast them to the curb, in the process, he put many physicians, nurses, aides, maintenance workers, etc., out of a job and made them a statistic of unemployment.
The current location on South Old 27 is populated with children and elderly nearby, too. Many children of families, who reside with elderly grandparents, reside near the present location and have to walk to school bus stops located near the shelter. So what’s your point about safety? It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live; your guarantee of security is never 100%.
To benefit the homeless by offering nearby employment, shopping, and medical care, I still consider it a good idea to relocate the shelter in town. "
greatlady wrote on Sep 14, 2008 8:43 AM:
" There is no good place or bad place fo this home. It will always be not in my back yard. Where ever you want to put it in the city of Gaylord there will be a school nearby.
Until the economy turns around and somone realizes that Mich has been forgotten by our goverment and assists us in getting and keeping jobs in Mich instead of giving them tax breaks when they go over seas or to Mexico there will be many more homless to assist. And they will be familes not single men. Oh and by the way there are women in the same boat so why are we singling out the men. As usual discrimination. "
Until the economy turns around and somone realizes that Mich has been forgotten by our goverment and assists us in getting and keeping jobs in Mich instead of giving them tax breaks when they go over seas or to Mexico there will be many more homless to assist. And they will be familes not single men. Oh and by the way there are women in the same boat so why are we singling out the men. As usual discrimination. "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 13, 2008 9:57 PM:
" Hey bullcrapaloney, If you were a reasonable human being you would understand that this is just the wrong place for it. "
bullcrapaloney wrote on Sep 12, 2008 2:23 PM:
" Wow!..Look at the reasons for and against this. Not every homeless person is a sex offender, criminal or drug addict. I believe they will be screening the people who get to stay there. And one more thought, instead of worrying about what could happen, why not look on the positive side of this. If it were a family member of yours, would you still be against it. Frankly, you don't know until you try and how many of our neighbors/family members/friends have the same problems that you do or don't know about. Are they banished? "
CUTTY wrote on Sep 12, 2008 5:01 AM:
" As with any public controversy, a balancing of risks and benefits needs to be done in order to protect the general safety and welfare of the residents of this community. I applaud Flightrisk for his social conscience and his compassion towards those unfortunate enough to need this type of housing.
The homeless shelter is attempting to address a real need here and they need our support.
However I likewise can appreciate "kiddios" and her comments. Too often in this community, well meaning people attempt to place facilities in or near neighborhoods without the slightest regard for such areas. Whether its a homeless shelter or a jail, those living in adjacent neighborhoods are portrayed as being nothing more than selfish or greedly property owners standing in the way of progress.
So as contradictory as this may sound, both "flightrisk" and "kiddidios" are correct. But heres where the balancing act needs to take place. Some questions needs to be addressed. First, are there alternative locations IN the City of Gaylord which could be more appropriate? Maybe subdivisions immediately outside the City could be considered, those that arent as close to Schools.
Second, what are the staffing and security arrangements at this proposed facility? Absolute security can never be guaranteed (even in a jail), but are "reasonable" arrangements contemplated?
This issue can be worked out by all concerned. Both sides need to recognize the validity of the others sides concerns. We need to stop portraying our adversaries in a stereotypical light.
Men and women of good faith and perserverance can find a reasonable compromise here. "
The homeless shelter is attempting to address a real need here and they need our support.
However I likewise can appreciate "kiddios" and her comments. Too often in this community, well meaning people attempt to place facilities in or near neighborhoods without the slightest regard for such areas. Whether its a homeless shelter or a jail, those living in adjacent neighborhoods are portrayed as being nothing more than selfish or greedly property owners standing in the way of progress.
So as contradictory as this may sound, both "flightrisk" and "kiddidios" are correct. But heres where the balancing act needs to take place. Some questions needs to be addressed. First, are there alternative locations IN the City of Gaylord which could be more appropriate? Maybe subdivisions immediately outside the City could be considered, those that arent as close to Schools.
Second, what are the staffing and security arrangements at this proposed facility? Absolute security can never be guaranteed (even in a jail), but are "reasonable" arrangements contemplated?
This issue can be worked out by all concerned. Both sides need to recognize the validity of the others sides concerns. We need to stop portraying our adversaries in a stereotypical light.
Men and women of good faith and perserverance can find a reasonable compromise here. "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 11, 2008 4:19 PM:
" hey flightrisk, before you start spouting off about people calling themselves christian you need to do a little more homework on the subject. These are not homeless families down on their luck. Elite and superior, not me, but I am a mom. I care about the community I bring my children up in. If you had been at the meeting and were able to hear exactly what kind of people are going to be moving into this facility I don't think your words would be so harsh. These men and women are chronically homeless, not because life threw them a curve ball but because they are physically addicted to drugs like heroin. On top of having addiction problems they also suffer from mental illness. These people are unable to live on their own without constant supervision and support for their addictions. What happens when one of them relapses and decides to burglarize a home to get money or worse yet hurt a child in a manic state because they decided to quit taking their medications? Did you know that there isn't another place in the state that they have tried this. Your heart can bleed all over Gaylord for all I care my children come first because that is what my God expects of me. Mrs. Arndt keeps telling straight up lies about the safety of this program. Sure, they may not have criminal records you can look up on the internet but she can't be sure they haven't been involved in criminal acts upon children or violent offenses because as most people know it is very difficult to get charges to stick in cases of mental disability. Pleading to lesser charges that can be proven is more likely to happen in such cases. I to believe that the friendship shelter is a wonderful place but this isn't a shelter. It is permanent housing for men and women that can't function properly on their own and they don't belong nestled between 2 schools and a community of children and elderly that can't protect themselves. Build it somewhere else. "
FlightRisk wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:01 PM:
" I think it’s an excellent idea to move the shelter in town and make it more convenient for those individuals who are in transition to commute to their jobs, which is where the majority of the jobs in Gaylord, including all of Otsego County, are located. Those who voted against this expansion and relocation plan, and who supposedly call themselves Christians, should be ashamed for not wanting it closer to the downtown area for the benefit of the homeless.
I used to live near the Friendship Shelter and never encountered any problems whatsoever with the residents who lived there. They are struggling through life, just like the rest of us, and even more so, because they are displaced. Those of you who opposed the decision should show some compassion, if you can muster any up at all. Be assured your day will come when you are to be judged.
Your concerns about your property values depreciating due to the shelter being “in your backyard” are outright ludicrous. What makes you feel you are so elite and superior over persons who are trying to get their life back on track, including the current permanent homeowners residing in Otsego Lake Township, which is where the shelter is currently located. Furthermore, my property values did not decrease, because my home was located near the shelter. I only had to move, because there was no employment for me to be found in Gaylord or the surrounding area.
I say if MSHDA is granting the money, more power to the Otsego County homeless. At least MSDHA cares about them! "
I used to live near the Friendship Shelter and never encountered any problems whatsoever with the residents who lived there. They are struggling through life, just like the rest of us, and even more so, because they are displaced. Those of you who opposed the decision should show some compassion, if you can muster any up at all. Be assured your day will come when you are to be judged.
Your concerns about your property values depreciating due to the shelter being “in your backyard” are outright ludicrous. What makes you feel you are so elite and superior over persons who are trying to get their life back on track, including the current permanent homeowners residing in Otsego Lake Township, which is where the shelter is currently located. Furthermore, my property values did not decrease, because my home was located near the shelter. I only had to move, because there was no employment for me to be found in Gaylord or the surrounding area.
I say if MSHDA is granting the money, more power to the Otsego County homeless. At least MSDHA cares about them! "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:06 PM:
" “I do not want it in town for the same reasons many of you do.”
Margaret Albert, former director of Friendship Shelter (2000) tells you something when even the former director of the Friendship shelter says "NO" "
Margaret Albert, former director of Friendship Shelter (2000) tells you something when even the former director of the Friendship shelter says "NO" "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:00 PM:
" Sorry for any misspelled words in my comments below, there isn't any way to scroll down when leaving remarks on this website to fix errors. "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:45 PM:
" people plead guilty to lesser charges everyday in our court system, (for example) child molesters get off all the time for insufficient evidence or inability to stand trial for "mental illness" and not understanding their own actions and are placed in therapy for a while and sent back out into the streets. Where do these homeless, unable to fin a job, incapable of getting over their addictions go, hmm Gaylord maybe, Build it and they will come tahts for sure "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:38 PM:
" Pay close attention to some of the reasons stated below, this info comes from Wikipedia
The major reasons and lack of causes for homelessness as documented by many reports and studies include:[14][15][16]
* Lack of affordable housing
* Unavailability of employment opportunities, which becomes a vicious circle due to the initial problem of being homeless
* Poverty, caused by many factors including unemployment and underemployment
* Lack of affordable healthcare
* Substance abuse and unavailability or lack of needed services
* Mental illness and unavailability or lack of needed services
* Domestic violence
* Prison release and re-entry into society
* Natural disaster
* Forced eviction - In many countries, people lose their homes by government order to make way for newer upscale high rise buildings, roadways, and other governmental needs.[17] The compensation may be minimal, in which case the former occupants cannot find appropriate new housing and become homeless.
* Mortgage foreclosures on homes in the United States in due to the crisis of a large number of shaky and sub-prime mortgages granted by banks and other lenders.[1 "
The major reasons and lack of causes for homelessness as documented by many reports and studies include:[14][15][16]
* Lack of affordable housing
* Unavailability of employment opportunities, which becomes a vicious circle due to the initial problem of being homeless
* Poverty, caused by many factors including unemployment and underemployment
* Lack of affordable healthcare
* Substance abuse and unavailability or lack of needed services
* Mental illness and unavailability or lack of needed services
* Domestic violence
* Prison release and re-entry into society
* Natural disaster
* Forced eviction - In many countries, people lose their homes by government order to make way for newer upscale high rise buildings, roadways, and other governmental needs.[17] The compensation may be minimal, in which case the former occupants cannot find appropriate new housing and become homeless.
* Mortgage foreclosures on homes in the United States in due to the crisis of a large number of shaky and sub-prime mortgages granted by banks and other lenders.[1 "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:34 PM:
" Mrs. Arndt is not telling you what "illness" means in this article but she did state at the meeting that some of these people not only suffer from drug dependency and alcoholism but also suffer from mental illness and when placed outside of the community in homes, quickly revert back to destructive behaivior "
Kiddidios wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:21 PM:
" The ONLY people at the meeting that raised their hands in favor to this were The owners of the property Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, 4-5 friendship shelter employees and the Mr. Coon (and he doesn't live next to the proposed shelter he lives on Strawberry lane. He rents to people on Petoskey street. "
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Jason2 wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:19 AM:
Matthew 25:32-46 “And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Joshua 24:15 “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Where do I volunteer? "