06-12-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 12,1995 (#4 - Adult Shelter - Continued) Meyers is worried about the people who would come to Orono as a result of the shelter. He did not believe they would interact well with the people living here. He foresaw problems with school children and cultural clashing. Meyers said he heard the Orono police officer say he did not see the need for the shelter. Meyers said he was offended by the way the Planning Commission dealt with the police officer. He felt women who are subjected to abuse should call the police often. The offenders should be jailed. Meyers said he did not wish to warehouse the victims. Meyers said he was also concerned with the safety of the people in the facility. James Jacobson, 2328 Olive, a 13 year resident, lives across the street from the church. Jacobson said the urban policies state that no new development is to conflict or adversely affect the neighborhood characteristics. He said he would not move into the area if the shelter had already been there. Lia Jakisiak, 2338 Olive, sees the church from her window. She is against the shelter. Jakisiak said she was a victim of abuse herself and has been stalked. Her offender tried to find her. She said these men are not smart, as they are not smart enough to know not to batter women. She noted a higher percentage of alcoholism related to abuse. With Timmy's Bar and the liquor store nearby, this location would not be good. She questioned whether the children and women can leave the shelter, and if they would • frequent the liquor establishments. Jakisiak said this shelter would have caused her to feel alienated and feel like people were pointing their finger at her. She did go to a safe house and did not feel put out. Jakisiak said her mother and mother -in -law's homes have been safe houses, but they have never been contacted out in this area. She said the community should be made aware of safe houses. She said she knows of many homes that would be available to help abuse victims. Jakisiak said this shelter is not the option for us. Albert Ginkel, 3210 Navarre Lane, is a licensed real estate agent. He said the real estate term of "location, location, location" should indicate that the shelter should not be located here. He said he has not met one person who is for the shelter and feels the majority of people living in the area are against it. Ginkel said the City should find another spot. Robin Anderson, 3324 Navarre Lane, said she interviewed Sjourner's Director, Aumer, this past Saturday. She chose this shelter as it resembles the geographic area of Navarre with the residential setting but near a business area. Aumer told Anderson that a residential area is fine but an institutional setting is better. Anderson said she was concerned with the visibility of the shelter in attracting abusers and becoming a neighborhood attraction. Aumer said, while it is nice to get away from the institutional feeling, it is quite public and requires more security. Anderson said we do not have this in Navarre. Anderson said she understood that there is only one police car available to . patrol Navarre. 13