KEEP OPEN MIND

Salvation Army Center Deserves Fair Hearing

Give the Salvation Army a chance.

That's what we ask of Tallevast-area residents who oppose the
organization's plan for an adult rehabilitation center at U.S. 301 and
Tallevast Road. The Army has hired an independent facilitator to
moderate a community meeting today to ensure an objective atmosphere
prevails. It deserves the courtesy of a fair hearing from residents
who object to the center.

Some of the opponents have adopted a close-minded attitude toward the
center, rejecting the Army's offer of tours of its St. Petersburg
facility which is almost exactly like the one proposed in Tallevast.
It has operated that center there for more than 25 years without any
complaints from neighbors.

Such insights would seem to be highly relevant to the discussion about
the proposed Tallevast site for a Manatee center. But some neighbors
refuse to even consider that their stereotyped views of the center may
be wrong. Said one leader of the Concerned Citizens of Tallevast and
Surrounding Communities, "I don't believe anything that involves the
Salvation Army is real."

That's unfair and unjust criticism of a fine organization - and says
much about the critics' prejudices: Don't bother me with the facts; my
mind is made up.

Hopefully, all Tallevast residents don't have that attitude. Those
with open minds who come to the meeting may be persuaded that the
center will be far more of an asset than a detriment. And considering
the future land use zoning category of heavy industrial under which
the permit is being sought, Tallevast could do a lot worse than this
faith-based treatment facility, retail store and church. Perhaps an
asphalt plant would be more desirable?