Report a Comment

Lets me honest...the concern and frustration stems from ward 8&7 residents (like myself), who have been seeing slow but progressive change in this community's fragile revitalization effort, and feeling like its suddenly being derailed by Calvary's presence.

A lot of this progress and development is the result of years and years of deeply engaged advocacy with local govt and private sector developers, just to get the embers of revitalization going. For most of us, we feel Washingtonians from other parts of the city who are in support of this shelter, don't recognize or care about the long term goals of our community, especially when they set-up methdone clinics, soup kitchens, homeless shelters,and the like in the middle of this community's "work-in-progress". And then to have the arrogance to refuse a dialogue with the community, is even more infuriating. What we really want is consideration and input, as well as an explanation. We could have collaborated or at least spoke, an to make this situation less contenious.

These are our homes, our property values, our families and their safety and the only response we've heard is that "we should be so lucky" and "they don't have to run anything past you". It's insulting! Can Calvary promise my now rising property value will continue to rise? can they promise no additional violence or loitering will occur? Can Calvary promise their presence on our Main Street won't derail the revitalization effort?...That's why we're upset! its just not about 50 homeless women and some cross town do-gooders. But its wrong to think, regardless if its legal or not, to come into someone's community and assume "we wouldn't mind" or would be grateful for the additional social services crowding our Main Street.

Its like being in the middle of building a sand castle and suddenly having some other kid start knocking it over and building something else. Calvary is very aware of what they are doing to our revitalization effort. If they are as connected in DC as been stated, than they are definitely familiar with our decades long effort to turn this main street around. Their demeanor just verifies that they don't care. That all the development dollars and years spent this community has worked to bring in to improve our main street, will have been wasted if we have to take on even more of a social burden.

Its true legally Calvary doesn't have to say two words to the community directly affected. However, if they what us to be good neighbors in the future, which I'm sure they will, they might what to have a conversation sooner rather than later. Just because Calvary is a non-profit providing a social service, doesn't mean they can't be insensitive bullies!

by SEnewbie on Feb 22, 2012 2:41 pm • link • report