TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters to editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 4, 2009

Don't Build Shanty Town

Your March 2 editorial, "Help All Neighborhoods By Helping The Homeless," made a case for allowing Catholic Charities to locate a facility for the homeless on a commercial site near the fairgrounds. You cite the opposition of nearby residents due to concerns about how the project might affect their neighborhoods.

You paint a rosy picture of how this project will be implemented, with off-duty police officers providing constant security, trained personnel screening the residents, and strictly enforced rules. Of course the real world quickly intrudes, resulting in circumstances that are far less than the ideal picture that is being painted to sell this project to the public. But, beyond that, this facility that the Catholic Charities proposes to construct is nothing more than a third-world shanty town.

With a twist of fate the standards we accept for others today may be the standards imposed on us and our children tomorrow.

If this location is to be a facility for the homeless, then we must construct a model facility that provides a reasonable quality of life for the residents. And let's surround that facility with a security fence and other measures that will protect the neighboring community. Additionally, let's budget staffed guard shacks at all entrances.

Americans should not condone the institution of shanty towns. It is a disgrace to us and an insult to our heritage. If this thing can't be implemented properly, then it should not be done at all.

RICH BRYANT

Tampa

Homeless Need Help

The editorial March 2 on plans for a homeless services center on east Hillsborough seems to be a fairly balanced attempt to reflect all views, ending with a reasonable endorsement of the proposal. The NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) response is predictable and understandable.

I also wish that no one had to live near the homeless, that no one had to be homeless.

But residing in Tampa means no one is far from the homeless, although many may be less visible.

The east Hillsborough area is not being singled out for some sort of punishment and will not logically become a new destination for homeless wanderers

It makes sense to offer some service in East Tampa where some free acreage has been generously offered. While it would be nice to hear more details from Catholic Charities about specific services and safeguards, no valid alternative has been suggested or funds provided. It would be a terrible move to scuttle this opportunity as needs increase in a bad economy.

MIKE SWITZER

Tampa

JOIN DISCUSSION

The Tribune welcomes letters and e-mails from readers. The text should be original and no longer than 150 words. By making a submission, you agree the Tribune may edit the letter for length and clarity, and publish it in any medium.

Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Mail to: P.O. Box 191, Tampa, FL 33601-0191. Or e-mail without attachments: tribletters@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT