Pubdate: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 Source: Bradenton Herald (FL) Copyright: 2003 Bradenton Herald Contact: http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradentonherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/58 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) 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? - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin