Matthews Center Discussion

WHAT DO YOU THINK? READ, THEN POST YOUR COMMENTS!

We Need your opinion!!

An opinion poll is being distributed to residents of the Whittier, Cole and Curtis Park neighborhoods after a meeting Tuesday night to discuss plans to build a residential facility for the chronically homeless at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Downing Street.

The Whittier, Cole and Curtis Park neighborhood associations have asked the property owner, Bo Matthews, and his development team to expand the project from one that focuses on concentrating the homeless in a 28-unit facility to one that includes apartments for a mix of incomes along with retail/commercial space below. The neighborhood associations feel this expanded development would better serve the community and the residents, turning a project of concentrated poverty into one that could be an attraction to future development in the area.

WNA President Linda Dowlen emphasized that the three associations are not opposing aid to those in need and are not asking that the Bo Matthews Center to abandon the project. They are asking the developers to use the site to its full potential and create something of benefit to everyone.

A poll was taken of those who attended the meeting asking if they supported the project as currently proposed, if they wished to see it expanded as a residential/retail/commercial space or if they completely opposed the project. At the request of the neighborhood associations, those who did not attend the meeting also will get a chance to weigh in on the issue. Results of the poll will be used to help Councilwoman Carla Madison determine if she should continue to pursue financial assistance for the Bo Matthews Center to expand the project or not.

Members of the WNA board will also be going door-to-door on Saturday, Dec. 20 to share information and get opinions. You may find one of them on your doorstep!