Residents worry about city plans to build a homeless center

Last night’s 8-1 Long Beach City Council vote to build a police substation at the Schroeder Hall U.S. Army Reserve Center at Willow Street and Grand Avenue, when that becomes available in 2011–and to also build a homeless services center across the street–caught locals almost completely by surprise, some audience members said as they left the meeting.

“We only found out last week that this was taking place,” said DeLyn Barclay-Bustanoby, who had just told the Council that only a chain-link fence separates her property from city-owned land where the homeless center would be built.

Barclay-Bustanoby said a folded photocopied piece of paper from the city which someone shoved under her door was the only notice she received about last night’s vote.

“The families in this area do not want a mass migration of homeless to our area,” Barclay-Bustanoby told the Council during public comment on the city’s plans. Other residents were concerned about the kids in the neighborhood.

“There is [sic] at least 24 children who live on Vernon and it is right by [their] gate,” Kristy Torres said. “I don’t think it’s a safe place for it.” Homeless advocates were just as outspoken in favor of the project, which is in the Fifth Council District.

“They are just like other people. There but for the grace of God goes any of us in this room,” said Maria Giesey, who raises funds at First Congregational Church to help the homeless. “The idea that any of the homeless are going to grab your children and run away with them is ridiculous.”

With the exception of Fourth District Councilman Patrick O’Donnell, who said he felt the neighbors needed to weigh in on the issue–and cast the lone vote against–the Council was largely in favor of the project.

“They don’t let people stay on the property. This is not a shelter,” said Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, whose district is home to the project. “This is a drop-in program.” Eighth District Councilwoman Rae Gabelich agreed.

“It does have to be spread around the city,” Gabelich said of homeless service centers. “It cannot just be a one-side-of-town opportunity.”

When the votes were cast, some residents left the meeting feeling stung.

“They put a spin on it to make us look bad,” said Barclay-Bustanoby, a Long Beach native and 18-year resident of the area. “We’re not against the mentally ill.” Neighbor Christi Hedden echoed Barclay’s words.

“We’re not against a facility,” Hedden said. “We just don’t think that’s the perfect place.”

Tags: army surplus, California, Eighth District Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, First Congregational Church, Fourth District Councilman Patrick O'Donnell, Grand Avenue, Long Beach, Long Beach City Council, Schroeder Hall U.S. Army Reserve Center, Southern California, The District Weekly, The Grand, Willow Street