02/03/04   Homeless Shelter - Response to Steve Blow

Dear Mr. Blow

You do not have all the facts regarding why Northwest Dallas communities object to the Harry Hines site for a homeless shelter. 

I represent the Webb/Royal Neighborhood Watch group, which consists of 1400 homes and one apartment complex.  We are close enough to the Harry Hines location that a homeless shelter would have an adverse affect on our personal safety and property values. We are united with other homeowners associations in the area who oppose this site.

The Harry Hines location is inappropriate for a homeless shelter for the following reasons: 

• There is a large population of single-family homes and hundreds of apartments in close proximity to the Harry Hines location.  There are so many children that 3 new grade schools are planned for the area.
   
• Grauwyler Park is close to the Harry Hines site.  The park and recreation center are filled with children after school and during summer break.

• The Boy Scouts of America headquarters is close to the site.  Many Boy Scout events are held at that location.
   
• Bachman Lake and Park are close to the site.  Walkers, bikers, joggers, and picnicking families would soon abandon the park to the homeless.

• The city needs our tax dollars and needs to protect property values of the thousands of homes in the area.
   
• The Dallas Police Department's NW Substation is very close to the site.  Currently, this division is understaffed.  It is difficult for them to cover all the incidents that occur on a regular basis.  If the Harry Hines site is chosen, our police officers will have their hand?s full.  Many more officers will be required.
   
• Bachman area neighbors and associations have worked tirelessly for years to clean up the sexually oriented businesses on Northwest Highway.  We have seen success in recent months.  Putting a homeless shelter so close to them will set them back years and the neighborhood may never recover.
   
• Bachman Recreation and Rehabilitation Center is on the NW side of the lake.  Physically and mentally challenged individuals attend this facility daily.  Some of these people stand outside the center waiting for transportation.  Elderly people use the pool for exercise and water therapy. The elderly and the handicapped do not need people accosting them as they come and go from the facility.

We already have homeless people knocking on doors asking for money.  We do not need larger numbers in the vicinity.

The homeless themselves have said it is too far from downtown where they prefer to congregate.  Perhaps you heard about the ?tent city? that is part of their plans for the people who do not want to be inside a facility. 

Do you have the statistics that show the homeless are people with a high percentage of criminal records, mental illness, and alcoholism?   

I know you had a tour of the former hospital.  Perhaps you would like to tour our neighborhoods and speak to the families who would be adversely affected.