Minutes 07/13/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 13, 2004 055 Recommended Action: · Adoption of a resolution calling for a State legislative study of the excessive concentration of single-family group homes in certain Portsmouth neighborhoods. Summary: · Portsmouth has about 20% (or 31) of the total number of single-family group homes in Virginia. It is recommended that a study be conducted through the Virginia General Assembly to determine any adverse effects that such a concentration of group homes may have on both the residents (who are mentally ill, mentally retarded or developmentally disabled) and the neighborhoods where the homes are located. The City does not have the legal authority to regulate the locations of these facilities, but the State does. Purpose and Need: · Due to economic factors, an excessive concentration of single-family group homes for the mentally ill, mentally retarded, and developmentally disabled has developed in the Cavalier Manor and Park View neighborhoods of the City. · Approximately one-fifth of all single family group homes in the entire State are located in Cavalier Manor and Park View in the City of Portsmouth. · Locations for these facilities are licensed by the State. · This excessive concentration is becoming so extreme that it adversely affects opportunities for mentally ill, mentally retarded, and developmentally disabled citizens to have normal interaction and to develop friendships with members of society as a whole, and it also adversely affects the neighborhoods in question. · The City does not have legal authority to regulate the location of such facilities, but the State does have the authority. · A proper legislative study could lead to greater dispersal of such facilities and greater integration of the residents into society as a whole, which is the intention of this type of facility. Financial Impact: · A legislative study, if authorized, would have no financial impact on the City. 1. Joe Wright, 1451 Welcome Road, spoke in support of this item. 2. Vantoria Clay, 6300 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, spoke in opposition to this item. 3. Martha Ann Creecy, 317 Dinwiddie Street, spoke in support of this item. Motion by Mr. Whitehurst, and seconded by Ms. Randall, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATION OF SINGLE FAMILY GROUP HOMES, AND TO DETERMINE ALTERNATIVES WHICH WOULD RESULT IN GREATER DISPERSION AND INTEGRATION OF SUCH FACILITIES INTO SOCIETY. WHEREAS, in recent years, national policy toward mentally ill, mentally retarded, and developmentally disabled citizens has changed from a policy of institutionalization to a policy of de-institutionalization; and WHEREAS, the principal rationale underlying this new policy is to improve the lives of such citizens by integrating them more fully into society; and