Dear Editor,
I am the person in your featured front page article, (Housing
battle of the ages), which was published on March 26.
Dear Editor,
I am the person in your featured front page article, (Housing battle of the ages), which was published on March 26.
I requested that the City of Gilroy allow me entry into the Village Green Housing Development, in Gilroy, because I am ill, and in need of the services they now have there, and will have there, in the near further for Alzheimer’s diseased patients. I recently appeared before the mayor and City Council of Gilroy concerning this issue. They denied my request.
This City of Gilroy’s action is morally wrong, in that I am a 58-year-old man, who is disabled, and suffers chronic pain, memory loss, fatigue, major headaches, and depression, due to insulin-dependent diabetes, arthritis, and lower back problems.
They say the rule is 62 or older to gain entry into the Village Green, and that is that, end of subject; written in stone. This attitude is contrary to the good will of the people of Gilroy, and certainly against the will of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in that exceptions should be made for the disabled, the diseased, and sick people, especially, if there is no other facility available to obtain the services that the Village Green has to offer the disabled person.
The builder wants me to have a home there, and has been supporting me in this issue for quite a long time. The developer even reserved a home for me to purchase for around four months, while this matter was being worked out, at a great loss to the builder (in the five figure range). The developer, also, paid the petition fee in order for this matter to be heard, at no charge to me. I am indebted to the developer, for their concern, kindness, patience, graciousness, generosity, and sacrifice. These are the kind of people we need to run the City of Gilroy.
I explained to the City Council that I worked for the government for 30 years, to include three years in the Army during the Vietnam War. I also explained that some of the medical problems I have were caused because of the stress due to the work I did for the probation department. I also explained that I served my country in the Army and served my state, county and city by working for the Santa Clara County Probation Department for 30 years. I simply asked the mayor and Council if they now can help me, in time of need. Is the government by and for the people? Was my request out of line and unreasonable?
Donald Prestigiacomo, Hollister
