In the thread at Sekula on the North Annex: "Clarify and frame this discussion and ensure that it is portrayed accurately," NAC's Bluegill wrote:
One negative consequence of tying the youth shelter to demolition is that it unnecessarily pits two proactive, positive groups against each other.
The youth shelter folks have undoubtedly advocated long and hard for improved conditions, and rightfully so. What they've been told is that tearing down the county home is the ONLY way to get it.
It's created another fight where there really is none.
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Precisely. And who is encouraging this fight where none should be?
The County Commissioners and the County Council, both of whom are pushing the youth shelter advocates forward and changing the topic in the process.
In the used car biz, don't they call that a bait and switch?
I was interested to hear that the Youth Shelter is a revenue generating operation for the county. Not long ago an acquaintance who had become aware of a lack of supplies and equipment at the Youth Shelter put together a fundraiser to help them out. If this operation is generating revenue shouldn't there be money in the budget to meet the basic needs of the residents? Sorry, I am off topic but this doesn't make sense to me. Hello out there elected officials, I am not stupid.
ReplyDeleteI as well find it hard to believe a county run youth shelter could operate with a positive revenue stream unless it were still Dickens time. but I may have just answered my question...
ReplyDeleteOn the main note - yes, another fine example of NA's elected officials NOT working together to solve problems, too busy making problems?
I still remember the old school house on State St that was demolished way back for the new Lilliam Embery elementary. Definitely one of the local events that turned me into a preservationist. Hummm, that was 40 years ago. I can't believe the people in power here are still not sure if it makes sense to reuse good old buildings.
I would like to go back to NA Annie's point about 7 million for 25 children and some offices.
ReplyDeleteYou could build 25, 2,000sq ft homes(including lots)for that amount of money. Nice homes. 1 home for each child. (please realize that is just an example for affect)
I realize that a building such as a youth shelter has to be built with some different standards but there you can go back to Bluegill's example of the new dorms at IUS. I would think the standards would be similar.
I'd like to know how many of the 300 youth that were served by the shelter last year were from Floyd County.
ReplyDeleteIt strikes me as odd that a social service like a youth shelter could be considered a revenue-generator. I'd have to see the numbers on that to believe that is factual.
The County Council should explain, with facts to back it up, why the proposed new shelter can only be a reality if the old county home is demolished. Further, they need to explain why they should be trusted to manage a $7 million structure if they have been unable to maintain one of far less size and monetary value.