No Domestic Violence Shelter in Middletown

Petition to the Township of Middletown, New Jersey to oppose the building of a Domestic Violence Shelter

Subject: Opposition of the proposed Domestic Violence Shelter on Magnolia Lane

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, OPPOSE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER ON MAGNOLIA LANE IN MIDDLETOWN, NEW JERSEY.

The applicant, 180 Turning Lives Around, proposes to construct a 20,140 sq. ft. 2-story structure (with basement) Domestic Violence shelter with associated parking areas, walkways, lighting and landscaping improvements. The shelter will consist of twelve (12) residential units, each unit consisting of a sleeping area with bath facilities. Each unit will accommodate sleeping arrangements for one (1) victim of domestic violence and up to (3) children from anywhere in the state.

I) THE PROPOSED USE WILL HAVE SUBSTANTIAL DETRIMENT TO THE PUBLIC GOOD AND SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIR THE INTENT OF THE ZONE.

Quality of life in Middletown will change dramatically. This could cause an increase in taxes, as township resources (police, fire, first aid, etc.) will be used without the shelter paying taxes (without rateables being collected).

According to 180 Turning Lives Around, the average length of stay in this shelter is 60 90 days. It is highly likely that the children housed at the shelter will attend the Middletown School system, DISRUPTING ESTABLISHED CLASSROOMS already in progress with potentially 36 children arriving in and out throughout the school year.

Do you think that this would NOT adversely affect Middletowns strong academic standing in the state?

The neighborhood could also be open to predators, and the women staying in such a shelter may not be safe, as noted in this article (copy and paste link in your browser):

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/43031/staying_safe_in_a_womens_shelter.html

II) SHELTERS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARE NOT A PERMITTED USE IN A B-2 ZONE DISTRICT.

This proposal will require a major zoning change on Magnolia Lane which currently has eight residential homes on it. Magnolia Lane is a quiet, tree lined dead-end street. Magnolia Lane is an unimproved road less than 25 feet across in most places, with as little as 12 feet wide in some. Circulation for delivery vehicles and sanitation vehicles would be impossible for this proposed site on Magnolia Lane.

III) A USE VARIANCE OR A ZONING CHANGE OF THIS MAGNITUDE WILL SET PRECEDENCE FOR THIS TYPE OF NON-CONFORMING USE TO BE ALLOWED ANYWHERE IN MIDDLETOWN.

For updated information email: [email protected]