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Home for Autistic Children Under Fire - 12/8/2009

The proposed group home for autistic children continues to draw fire from Southside Binghamton residents.

But those opposing the project claim they are not against the young people who would be housed there...

They say they are actually concerned for the children's safety:

Nearly a hundred Binghamton residents came out to learn more about plans to build a home for 8 autistic children on Woodland Avenue in the Southside.

But many have already made up their minds:

"We're not against these children one bit.
We feel the money being spent on this could be spent wisely somewhere else on an existing piece of property for far less amount of money," said Southside Resident James Zervos.

Planners say this grant money is designated specifically for this project and can't be used for anything else.

But residents had a list of other concerns: Their neighborhood is on a steep hill that's dangerous in the winter time--and there are no sidewalks.

But this mother of an autistic child says that shouldn't be a problem.

"Not worry so much about maybe their too old to be going to the zoo or there's not enough sidewalks or there are cliffs.
We'll worry about that, I'll trust the OMRDD to take care of that," said Advocate for Autism Representative Sally Colleti.

But many of the attendants seemed more concerned about this home contributing to a drainage problem that has plagued their neighborhood for 41 years.

"This water has no place to run-off--it will not go down the sewer.
We want a guarantee that if you do this project the water run-off will be corrected, " said Eileen Coumpon.

But City Engineer Phil Krey says that project will not come to the city if it'll make the problem worse--but he thinks it can be resolved.

"I believe it can be done, but we'll make sure the proper storm-water management practices are implemented," said Krey.

Planners say these kids need a home...

"People with developmental disabilities should live richer lives.
They like any of us, have the right to live in the whole community," said Carl Letson.

Residents say they agree...
just maybe not in their neighborhood.

***FOX40's Jacqueline Kane Reporting***

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