For those who even followed this issue it is likely there are mixed feelings about the ZBA denying the application of Seacoast Family Promise (SFP) to place a homeless shelter at 27 Hampton Road in the former "Learning Tree Children's Center" building. While this writer did not attend the ZBA meeting, it is reported that many spoke for and against the application and that the issue was fairly considered. However, some may agree that unsubstantiated concerns outweighed available facts.
Consider this, SFP is currently located in the basement of the Stratham Community Church where it has operated for eight years. During that time have there been criminal issues (e.g., drugs) impacting the church or neighbors? If not, why is that specter being raised in opposition to the granting of the desired application? Have they been a good neighbor?
Questions have been raised about their ability to address social issues attendant with a homeless shelter. SFP acknowledged that there are some outstanding issues requiring attention. If these issues can be willingly resolved, should they be a roadblock to approval?
The concern always seems to come up in cases like this, its presence will negatively impact property values. Really? The previous resident at this property was commercial in a R-2 residential zone. Are there any facts that would support this argument or is it an unsubstantiated concern?
Homelessness is a significant problem in the Seacoast area. Here we have an organization who has stepped up to the challenge and is making a difference. Could they do more, better? Probably. Clearly space restrictions at their current location inhibit this. This writer believes the ZBA took the easy way out by saying, "No." It's too bad that Exeter, that professes to have concerns over the need for affordable housing, takes a negative approach to one's basic need - shelter.
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