02-07-2005, 03:20 PM
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/today...05s7.shtml
Autistic school offered alternate site for home
Pine Plains residents voice concerns
By Michael Woyton
Poughkeepsie Journal
PINE PLAINS -- A group home for autistic adults likely will be located in Pine Plains. The big question is, where?
After a two-hour public hearing Thursday, the town board voted to inform the Anderson School it would prefer the home be placed at 465 Lake Road, west of the hamlet.
The Anderson School, in conjunction with the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Offices, wants to purchase a $400,000, three-bedroom home in the Victoria Crossing subdivision south of the hamlet of Hammertown.
While the school is required by law to come to the board with its proposal, the board's options are limited, Supervisor Gregg Pulver said. The town can either accept the proposal or offer another location.
Victoria Crossing residents were concerned the five autistic adult men and the staff supervising them might be disruptive or dangerous.
''I understand that individuals with autism have a very hard time in controlling their reactions to the unexpected,'' said Rosanne Waldron, who lives on Victoria Crossing.
''I've heard of things that when an autistic person becomes angered, it takes two or three people to hold him down,'' she said. ''A lot of testosterone concerns me.''
Concerns not valid
Anderson's executive di-rector, Neil Pollack, said the men slated for the new home are capable of being good neighbors.
''We have nine other group homes and have yet to have anything but good relations with our neighbors,'' he said.
While the school is obligated to look at the suggested home, it does not have to accept it, said Diane Czachorowski, manager of community development and support for Taconic DDSO.
The town can appeal the decision not to accept the alternate site to the state's Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
''If you decide on an alternate site, then that's a done deal,'' Pulver said. ''The neighborhood doesn't get this kind of opportunity'' to show opposition during a public hearing.
Millerton resident Jennifer Dowley's 21-year-old son, Addison, is living in another of Anderson's homes, but would move to Pine Plains if it is established.
She spoke highly of the care he receives.
''The Anderson School is incredibly responsible,'' she said. ''They are kind -- deeply kind.''
Dowley is looking forward to her son moving closer to her.
''I would get to see him more frequently,'' she said. ''I want to be deeply involved with his life.''
Autistic school offered alternate site for home
Pine Plains residents voice concerns
By Michael Woyton
Poughkeepsie Journal
PINE PLAINS -- A group home for autistic adults likely will be located in Pine Plains. The big question is, where?
After a two-hour public hearing Thursday, the town board voted to inform the Anderson School it would prefer the home be placed at 465 Lake Road, west of the hamlet.
The Anderson School, in conjunction with the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Offices, wants to purchase a $400,000, three-bedroom home in the Victoria Crossing subdivision south of the hamlet of Hammertown.
While the school is required by law to come to the board with its proposal, the board's options are limited, Supervisor Gregg Pulver said. The town can either accept the proposal or offer another location.
Victoria Crossing residents were concerned the five autistic adult men and the staff supervising them might be disruptive or dangerous.
''I understand that individuals with autism have a very hard time in controlling their reactions to the unexpected,'' said Rosanne Waldron, who lives on Victoria Crossing.
''I've heard of things that when an autistic person becomes angered, it takes two or three people to hold him down,'' she said. ''A lot of testosterone concerns me.''
Concerns not valid
Anderson's executive di-rector, Neil Pollack, said the men slated for the new home are capable of being good neighbors.
''We have nine other group homes and have yet to have anything but good relations with our neighbors,'' he said.
While the school is obligated to look at the suggested home, it does not have to accept it, said Diane Czachorowski, manager of community development and support for Taconic DDSO.
The town can appeal the decision not to accept the alternate site to the state's Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
''If you decide on an alternate site, then that's a done deal,'' Pulver said. ''The neighborhood doesn't get this kind of opportunity'' to show opposition during a public hearing.
Millerton resident Jennifer Dowley's 21-year-old son, Addison, is living in another of Anderson's homes, but would move to Pine Plains if it is established.
She spoke highly of the care he receives.
''The Anderson School is incredibly responsible,'' she said. ''They are kind -- deeply kind.''
Dowley is looking forward to her son moving closer to her.
''I would get to see him more frequently,'' she said. ''I want to be deeply involved with his life.''