Taylor Avenue and Ginger Way residents say the state is
misplacing group homes in their neighborhood that could put fragile
patients at risk.
Morgan Hill – Taylor Avenue and Ginger Way residents say the state is misplacing group homes in their neighborhood that could put fragile patients at risk.
The residents are reacting to a survey filled out by a nonprofit corporation last December indicating the neighborhood is safe for group homes for patients with developmental disabilities, despite being close to busy Monterey Highway and streets without sidewalks.
“We’re appalled at how the state’s site-selection surveys were filled out,” said Bob Reinhardt, a Taylor Avenue resident who opposes the homes being built near his house.
Jennifer Richer, program director for Hallmark Community Services, a nonprofit corporation contracting with the California Department of Developmental Services to develop the group homes, said the three-page site-selection surveys are meant to be subjective and “serve as a guide” along with other factors such as whether the homes have floor plans that allow them to be adapted for medical use.
Because the homes are licensed for medically fragile and elderly patients 60 and older who are mostly bed-ridden or in wheel chairs, Richer said patients do not require many outdoor amenities.
When they open later this year, the homes will house patients from Agnews Developmental Center in San Jose, a state-run hospital with roughly 250 patients slated to close in 2008.
The state government approved a plan to scatter the patients into licensed community-based housing with professional care staff. About 65 homes will open in the Bay Area, including four in Morgan Hill.
While some residents want the Morgan Hill City Council to prevent the group homes from opening, city officials say their hands are tied.
“People should put their time and energy into lobbying state officials,” Morgan Hill City Attorney Janet Kern said.”
The council will discuss the matter at its May 23 meeting, which starts at 7pm, but City Councilman Greg Sellers said the city lacks jurisdiction to prevent the homes from operating.
