Rushed zoning

To the editor:

Most residents of Lawrence are not aware of a huge change in zoning laws being promoted by a group called Family Promise. Here is what will change if they get their way: You may end up living next to a day shelter for homeless people, no matter where you live – in east, north, south or west Lawrence. Up to 15 people or four families could occupy the building by day. Family Promise’s odor of sanctity – it seeks churches as night shelters, so bless ’em – turns a bit rancid as it pushes to overturn our zoning laws to place new shelters into single-family neighborhoods.

Imagine the surprise when families in the 1501 Rhode Island area received information that the residence was on track to become a homeless day shelter in November if Family Promise gets their way. At Family Promise’s behest, city staff raced to fast-track sweeping zoning changes. Their complicated proposal received virtually no public discussion before it was presented to city commissioners on Aug. 12.

At the last minute, neighbors and neighborhood organizations found out about it and helped to gain time for more discussion. Comments now will be received by city staff until Aug. 25, and anyone can write or call members of the Planning Commission and City Commission before their upcoming hearings.

There are compassionate people on all sides of this issue, including Family Promise. The issue is: Do homeless shelters of whatever kind belong in single-family neighborhoods, or in denser areas without special use permit hearings for every occasion?

Hal Sears,
Lawrence