Live blog: Ability Housing Springfield meeting

[sheclown]

Hands are up for questions

Michael Trautmann speaking "23 year resident --  connection with Springfield and downtown. The overlay is about lowering density. The city needs to defend the overlay"

Stomping of feet and clapping of hands

[sheclown]

Trautmann gets standing ovation

Doug invites city to speak

Calvin Birney steps up to speak   Got to give him
Props for that

[Bridges]

I had to leave early, right after the first few rounds of questions.  That crowd was ready to go off from the very beginning. 

I actually think their plan could work, so long as everyone is up front about expectations and plans.  AH and Springfield could work together to make sure that this is a place that doesn't turn into everyone's wildest fears, and a place that helps serve vets and non-vets in need of homeless assistance. 

AH has eviction practices.  Maybe a clear meeting with SPAR about the requirements for eviction and discussion about rules?  Maybe Springfield helps sponsor a program for those in the building (along with other homeless individuals) to help engage them in the community. 

But, judging by that crowd, there was no need for the ballots tonight, they could have asked for "All those opposed" and the Nays would have shook that building to the ground.

[02roadking]

Sounds like this will play out well on the local news.

[sheclown]

Birney says "zoning is correct for what it is.  City has not seen application. But everything seems okay. Zoning is correct "

"What is a definition of ongregate living ". Someone asks from
The crowd   Speaker brings up rudat study. He's rambling and brings up the auction

[sheclown]

The crowd again stomps its feet and cheers

[sheclown]

"We are a neighborhood in transition. We want to move forward not backward "

Huxley is now reading the definition of a congregate living services

[sheclown]

Huxley says that this project is allowed by zoning

Crowd brings up boarding houses and sober houses   

[sheclown]

"Springfield is not as protected as the other overlays ". Speaker yells out

[sheclown]

"We are fighting for our safety. They are going to be breaking into our houses "

[sheclown]

Man speaks in appreciation of prisoners of Christ who watch over the people on their care

[sheclown]

AH will prioritize homeless in Springfield

[sheclown]

"I am the future of this neighborhood and I am blindsided by this project"

[sheclown]

"Man says he doesn't want Springfield homeless in the facility that are sleeping on our porches"

Kim is speaking "AH can rent to whomever they wish. Focus on the grant. Does the grantor require community involvement?"
The overlay discussion doesn't apply. Do you require they pay rent ?" 

"Grantor does not require community input ?"  No

"Who pays the rent ?"  VA helps pay

[sheclown]

Meeting is adjourned