TALLEVAST OBJECTS TO REHAB CENTER

If you build it, they will come: the pedophiles, drug dealers,
addicts, alcoholics and prostitutes. This was one of the major
concerns of citizens of the Tallevast and surrounding communities at a
meeting held Aug. 15 at the Mt. Tabor Baptist Church regarding the
Salvation Army's proposal to build a 125-bed non-secured Adult Rehab
Center at Tallevast Road and U.S. 301. The facility would encompass
147,500 square feet, consisting of a retail thrift store, warehouse,
donation and drop-off area, dormitory, offices, cafeteria,
recreational area and chapel - in essence, a rehab
subdivision.

The concerned citizens were comprised of lawyers, teachers, retired
police officers, probation officers and PTA presidents, but most
important there were parents and grandparents who feared for the
safety of their children, homes and everything they've worked hard to
achieve. This facility will be located seven-tenths of a mile from
Kinnan Elementary School. There are daily newspaper accounts of
incidents involving crimes committed by people who have been
incarcerated and rehabilitated countless times, only to perform the
same violent acts repeatedly upon release.

This is to be a nonsecured facility with an admitted 40 percent
success rate. What about the other 60 percent released into our
communities? Do we want them free to roam in the elementary school's
backyard, park and in our neighborhoods? These are not predictable,
rational people. They steal, murder, rape and use whatever means
necessary to feed their addictions.

The Salvation Army was commended for their good works, but the
citizens emphasized very clearly they do not want this facility build
in that location and will assist in any way they can to find a more
appropriate location. The Manatee County Commissioners will have the
final say in the matter. They will vote on whether to issue building
permits and change the zoning for the facility. We would hope and pray
they listen to their constituents' wishes and don't turn their "Field
of Dreams" into our "Field of Nightmares."

Georgia Angelos Gates, Bradenton