EDITORIAL: A part of the neighborhood

Groups homes are no different from any other residents in the West Philadelphia neighborhood and they should not be treated as such. Residents do have legitimate complaints that these homes add to noise problems but these group homes have a right to be in the neighborhood. Group homes provide a vital service to our community by helping the homeless, mentally ill and teenage mothers. They should not be singled out in a special zoning requirement. We think it's a good idea to get the members of group homes more directly involved in their surrounding community. Getting them to participate in graffiti clean-ups, sports programs and block parties will benefit the neighborhood. Part of the purpose of these homes is to integrate their residents back into society. But, it would be counterproductive if residents were to establish "watch-dog" groups to monitor the homes. Regulating the homes' management would only serve to ostracize the group homes from being part of the neighborhood. Whether the homes are publicly or privately funded, city officials should check the homes more often to insure they are being properly managed and meet local and state laws, not residents. And residents should not have a direct say in how these group homes are managed; they should instead be made aware when a new home is being constructed in the area. The city should take into account residents' concerns, since a significant number of group homes already exist in the area. City officials should also pay closer attention to residents' opinions as they have already expressed complaints. Forty-one group homes currently exist in Spruce Hill. While more may be constructed in the future, the city should consider residents' concerns. But these homes do have a right to be part of our neighborhood.