Fall River residents worry group homes will damage community
By: News Staff
Email: news@abc6.com
Twitter: @ABC6
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) – Residents in the north end worry group homes are going to damage their community, but the Salvation Army says it would do just the opposite.
Residents state that “"this coming here just breaks down the fabric of our neighborhood." With two group homes present in the community already families feel that adding another would disrupt their sense of safety, along with potentially lowering property values.
The Salvation Army’s plan was to use the home for its gentle arms program. The programs purpose is to provide support for single mothers under the age of 21. A new house is needed considering the house being used now is over 200 years-old, and needs extensive renovations.
According to Major Shaun Belanger, no more than 5 woman and their children would be living here at once, along with a staff member being on site at all times. Stating she “just doesn’t see why it wouldn’t have a positive impact.”
The hearing for the proposal will be held at a zoning board meeting next Thursday.
© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017
