aia v ca eae. cag ABSMREEM Sri ET SSAC “uletCatins te remrer © * ‘ with page: 16,:March 16,1977 = North Shore News © Dear Editor: Recently the controversy surrounding the North Shore Association for the Mentally Retarded’s purchase of a house at 2490 Edgemont Boulevard was reported in your paper. Opponents of this home have argued that since it has been established in a single family dwelling area, lower resale value of. surrounding homes will res- ult. In fact, the number of residents in the home was limited to five to create a family situation for these adults who, although work-. ing would not be able to establish their own homes and thus gain a degree of independence. As_ there would never be more than are parents of a retarded child and viewed the recent council meeting interest and much concern. It may be that not involving the surrounding neighbours of the group home (for five retarded persons) before it was bought was an error on the Association’s part. Certainly fear of the unknown might explain the subsequent ac- tions of those signing the petition to have the home disallowed under a_techni- cality of zoning. However a subsequent invitation to see the home and learn about the proposed inhabitants went unatten- ded, save for the staff and others who went prepared to answer questions and allay fear of the unknown. A letter was then sent to the surrounding neighbours in- forming them of the project, again inviting any. questions they might have; this also went unanswered. Shelf Furnishings GEORGIA =a Opposite Safeway fa porking lot. _NOSOY resale values in the area. in family neighbourhoods as STOCK REDUCTION SPECIALS WALNUT * Freestanding Danish Stereo &. Book * Dining Room Tables * Stereo Benches * Sofas * *“ Daybeds * Lamps * Night Tables * Bookcases with backs JASTARTING TODAY EASY PARKING $|Mon-Thur 10:00 to 6 p.mp > 2 Friday two staff members present at any time, there would not be _a large number. of peopie in the home: sees eae This is to be a permanent home for these individuals, not an ‘‘institution’’ with ail the custodial staff institu- tions require and not a ‘‘half-way house’’ where persons reside for only a short time. It is difficult. to see how this would lower The real problem lies not “with the single family home issue but with the fact the residents of the home are retarded and with the mis- conceptions and ignorance surrounding retardation. This home would not be a prelude to lodging criminais Surely now - the petition must be viewed for what it is, a thinly. disguised, prejud- iced manoeuver -by bigots. District staff was involved prior to the property being bought, we therefore don’t believe the Association was arrogant or highhanded as charged by some council members. if council is sincere in the view that those less fortunate citizens be truly a part of the community, then this group home cannot be wrong. Having seen the neighbours’ reaction to the group home we naturally hope a more compassionate neighbour- hood could have been found; however, ignorant, bigoted people will always say, ‘‘Not here, not on my street!”’ We close bv asking: if not the - children be accepted? Please let us know. We'll gladly ask the Association to move the here, then where will project there. Mr. & Mrs. Phil Russell North Vancouver FIR Chairs * Beds * Dressers Beautiful Home ONE LOCATION §& MORE AND MORE PEOPLEE BUY AT INSTANT FURNISHINGS! 10:00 to 9 p. me Saturday 9:30 to6 p.m& Instant Furnishing Ltd. : Qo” ROBSON ST. 684-7622 if was suggested by one alderman at a recent council meeting. it is simply — an opportunity™:for:.a group of handicapped. citizens to ex- ercise their right to live and work in the community in. which they have been raised. To suggest that neigh- bours in the area were not consulted is to: ignore the facts of the situation. Not one neighbour attended a meet- ing set for February. 10 before any of the retarded adults had moved into the house and about which they were all informed by tele- phone. . QUOUNDEAULUEHOONGAEOEAUALE (08 Nor was there a single : response to a subsequent letter written to the individ- uals in the neighbourhood by © the Association. Public support on the North Shere for programs the retarded has been good and reveals an understand- ing of. the needs of the handicapped. However, ts issue involves more than the : handicapped. If the rights of at the unicutters the retarded are successfully af.” . denied, then the rights of all citizens are in danger. west | van 1 salon 1451 marine dr. west van Linda Sellars North Vancouver All over town, prices are going up. Ours are coming down. Special purchases like these are one way we can continue to offer you the best-quality carpet at the best-possible prices. Take advantage now — quantities are limited. Don't miss this fabulous sale e Never again values @ Stop by today! PATTERNED KITCHEN CARPET Many designs & colours. Quality rubber 95 ° From $7 /3q.yd. backing ASSORTED ROLLS , Various qualities & textures. Good colour A polyester plush In carthtone shades. Sav ye 30-40% | Rust, ‘INTERLUDE YOURS TRULY : Two-tone sculptured nylon, ideal for any An exciting new process in. luxury area of the home. carpets. Softly blended colurs in '‘Soft to the Touch’ nylon. An outstanding value isq.yd. STONEY BROOK ACTION TWIST ™ Acrylic blend hardtwist for heavy traffic $995 areas, /sq.yd. Only *10%. yd. Inthe =—stst—~CS«*@~Ss Norgate Shopping Centre 1467 Marine Drive North Van 30-6091 A DW od. 8-6, Th. & Fr. 0-9, Sat. 0-6 Gold, Boige, Brown. Only sche ht Qe ie bUA-DEL ee CARPETS