LA HABRA : Foes of Homeless Facility Map Strategy
More than 50 residents who oppose the location of the city’s first facility for homeless families gathered Tuesday night and claimed that plans for the project have been “glossed over” to make it look acceptable.
Calling the group the “Coalition Against the Location of Mary’s Home,” members met at the La Habra Public Library to discuss possible strategies for opposing the planned Mary’s Home for Transitional Families. The facility is planned for a 1.5-acre vacant lot at the southern end of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
“Not only have we finally grouped together, but we’re going to expose discrepancies (in the city staff reports and memos),” said resident Jay Scott, one of the group’s organizers. Scott refused to disclose what he believes are problems with the project until next Tuesday’s City Council meeting when the project is scheduled for council consideration.
A decision on the $2.5-million project, designed to temporarily house up to 28 homeless families, has been constantly delayed by the Planning Commission and the City Council since last December because of the debate over the facility’s location.
Opponents argue that having the facility in their neighborhood will increase traffic and gang activity and cause real estate values to decrease.
Scott said residents in attendance Tuesday night agreed to pool their money to hire a attorney if the council votes next week to approve the project.
“We’re challenging everything, and we’re going to have lots of speakers,” Scott said.
Officials of Mary’s Home could not be reached for comment.
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