RECOVERY HOMES DIMINISH CLEARBROOK

THE EDITOR:

My husband and I moved to the Clearbrook area four years ago. Our
neighbors were very happy we moved in to the former grow-op and
cleaned it up nicely.

We have put thousands of dollars and many long days into our home.

Then we got a letter from the City of Abbotsford telling us they will
be holding a meeting regarding a proposed supportive recovery house.

Not only the three houses [in] the letter were being proposed but 15
more - people are being blindsided by the city.

How can some people sitting in an office be deciding our
neighborhood's fate. Shouldn't there be a vote on this? Not just a
meeting telling us to what their regulations are for these houses.

Do we trust them to protect us? Can we call the police and count on
them to come?

I look out my window everyday at a beautiful new $719,0000,
nine-bedroom, seven-bathroom house, thinking my husband and I can't
afford a house like that but a non-profit society can. My family and
neighbors are going to suffer serious losses if approved.

I have [spoken] with a real estate agent and I was told our losses
will be at least $100,000 but Clearbrook will suffer the most.

These houses have an 85 per cent elapse rate. Where these addicts
going to go, onto our streets? Into our neighborhood?

Do the math; this will result in higher crime rate and homelessness.

Megan Olsen

Abbotsford