San Jose Planning Commission
fax 408/277-3250
re: Group Home Ordinance
Dear Commissioners:
The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association commends the Planning Department and the Planning Commission for their efforts to address complex issues of public policy in the proposed Group Home Ordinance. Recognizing that some of these issues are controversial and unresolved, the Association supports the staff recommendation.
We draw your attention to the following matters:
1. The definition of a "dwelling, one family" (Sec. 20. 04. 170) should include the clause "but only one such dwelling per lot" that had been eliminated from Sec. 20. 24. 020. We have been informed that this change has been made but have not seen the revised document.
2. A key factor in the neighborhoods' attitudes toward group homes is the degree of concentration and the resulting negative impacts. We strongly recommend that dispersal of group homes be adopted as public policy.
3. We urge that public hearings encourage presentation and discussion of the objectives of the proposed ordinance, the protections afforded the neighborhoods and the group homes, and information about the expected results of implementing the ordinance. Realizing that these situations can arouse strong emotional reactions which do not contribute significantly to, or may even distract from productive discussion, WGNA feels that a clear understanding of the proposed ordinance by all factions is essential.
As to the County's request that this determination be continued until the County's proposal has been considered, the Association notes that the licensing outlined by the County is not encouraging. We support cooperation between government entities, however, the County's proposal is extremely broad as to the clientele that it covers yet only one investigator, responsible for monitoring a wide spectrum of group homes, is to be hired. While the County recommends the elimination of the referral facility designation, reason must conclude that there is a difference in the potential impact that court referral facilities have on a neighborhood versus the impact of other group home classifications. WGNA feels that the Planning Department's designations and resulting zoning requirements make sense.
The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association recommends that San Jose move ahead in defining its objectives and policies. Many legitimate concerns and interests are raised by this proposed Group Homes Ordinance, and the city will benefit from a resolution that recognizes the needs of both individuals and the communities.
Kris Cunniningham, President Elect