Goals

As we have learned more 1) about the proposed project by Transitions, 2) about successful residential mental health programs, 3) about the behind the scenes negotiations, 4) about the lack of creativity by the various planning agencies and 5) about the potential impact and risks to the neighborhoods, we have come to realize that we cannot count on anyone else besides our neighborhoods to look out for the welfare of the neighborhoods.  To that end, we have evolved our thinking about the proposed project and about the opportunities for the use of the County property behind the old General Hospital.

It appears in its haste to no longer have to deal with the disposition of the deteriorating historic building, the County has jumped at the opportunity to get rid of the problem.  It also appears in its haste to get, essentially, FREE property, that Transitions has jumped upon that opportunity even though it creates a 180 degree turn from the residential philosophy which has been successful for them over many years.

Of course, an interesting question is whose vision was it to dangle these carrots in front of the County and Transitions?

In any case, it appears that the only reasonable solution going forward is for the neighborhoods to take the lead in fixing this mess.  Otherwise,

• the neighborhoods will have an increased risk of lack of safety in their streets,
• the County will have given away a central piece of property that will limit the use of the remaining property,
• the property owners who are trying to sell new residences to meet the City’s housing mandate adjoining the proposed project will continue to be unsuccessful as new buyers purchase homes in communities outside the city,
• current and historic use by neighbors for hiking, walking animals, observing nature, etc. will be lost,
• the community overall will lose the opportunity to find a use for the property that benefits a greater number and broader spectrum of the community, and
• Transitions will be building exactly the opposite kind of a facility that has, to date, been so very successful for them.

Therefore, we are proposing that our ad hoc organization define and expand our goals to the following:

1. To ensure a safe environment in our neighborhoods by opposing the proposed plan to convert the Sunny Acres and its surrounding property into a residential facility for mentally impaired clients of Transitions Mental Health Associates.
2. To create a plan, working with the County, the City, the neighborhoods and other organizations, for an alternative use of the building and the surrounding property that benefits and provides opportunities for a greater number and a broader representation  of our  community.  We are exploring the creation of a Arts / Creativity Center which would focus upon and stimulate the creative works of artists, authors, musicians, photographers and other creators of art, and could be enjoyed by all segments of the community in the City and County.
3. To work with the County, the City and other organizations including Transitions to help to facilitate the needs of the mentally impaired residents of our community through the continued development of and the successful use of residential lots/houses in local neighborhoods for those needy clients in a sustainable manner.