To all involved,
I am writing to protest the proposal to construct Drug Addiction Recovery Apartment Units on the corner of 16th and Dunbar. Has this location not also been considered for Seniors Housing? The Seniors Housing proposal is a natural for this corner - for exactly the same reasons that the Drug Addict Recovery Housing is not. This location is surrounded by families, schools, daycares, recreation centres, and parks. It is dense with kids of all ages and certainly not appropriate for those 30-50 potential new residents with drug/ alcohol addiction and serious psychological problems. The nearest Liquor store is one block away for heaven sake!
The "Triage" style program has no conclusive evidence of having been successful. In fact, as a parent who lives just 2 blocks from 16th, and directly above the park that is sure to become a meeting place for those living in a dual diagnosis dwelling, I would need to see 100% success rate for addicts, zero occasions of psychosis or paranoid-schizophrenia, and full medical support 24 hours per day in order that I might even consider this to be a sound, logical step to clean up the Downtown East Side. Clearly, the Social Housing strategy is a ploy to disperse addicts and such, in time for the 2010 Olympics.
As for Seniors Housing, the corner of 16th and Dunbar is ideal. It presents an excellent volunteering opportunity for all kids in this area and can only work toward the betterment of this community. Could you say the same for the Triage style facility? Finally, if the Drug Addict Apartment Block does somehow edge out the need for Seniors Housing in your plans for development, you can be guaranteed that this riding will rise up and ensure your political demise. You will not be voted into power again with this type of decision making on your record. We simply will not stand for such irresponsibility. Sincerely,