I support both the YWCA and the Haven of Rest. I drive by the YWCA most every day going to the office and see firsthand the activity. I have on many occasions been through the child care center and know how much planning goes into protecting the children placed in their care. The many people in Bristol who put money and time into that beautiful facility are pleased with the way it operates. On the other hand, I have supported the Haven’s programs for years. We regularly deliver food for the use of their residents. I understand the Haven’s Lighthouse treatment program has had success in the past, but how can we predict what will happen in the future when they take in an increased number of clients?
The land neighboring the YWCA did need to be zoned for business, but the big questions is, for what business? Placing a residential treatment center for addicts next to a child care treatment center and after-school program for young girls is just not right. We have a responsibility to the community to not create more problems. Many other communities already have guidelines in place to prevent substance abuse programs from locating within a certain proximity of a school, licensed child care facility, public library and/or public playgrounds. If we as a community can build a showpiece like the YWCA, then we surely can find an appropriate location for the men of the Haven’s Lighthouse program.
Do we as citizens of this community want to run the risk of having something happen because we did not plan differently? I for one do not.
Frank Leonard
Bristol, Va.
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