CICERO, N.Y. - Is a thirty-year-old state law discriminating against people with developmental disabilities? The Cicero Town Board thinks so. Their actions come on the heels of strong neighborhood opposition to a brand new neighborhood group home.
It would be along Snowshoe Trail. A home, established by Community Options Incorporated, for three men with developmental disabilities. The deal is as good as done. But not without concern.
"With all the kids around, can we trust these people coming in and out? Nurses, aides, therapists. Everyone is just going to be coming in and out. Increased traffic. It's just, it's not a good placement for this," said Karen Florczykowski, a Showshoe Trail resident.
Some neighbors share her sentiment. And some don't.
"I would hate to think that anyone's mother and father would be turned down because they were disabled and couldn't live in a certain area," said Helen Brodbeck of Cicero.
Is a thirty-year-old state law discriminating against people with developmental disabilities? The Cicero Town Board thinks so. As News 10 Now's Joleene Des Rosiers explains, their actions come on the heels of strong neighborhood opposition to a brand new neighborhood group home.
But the town board says it's seen too much opposition and to them, it's troubling.
"It was quite disturbing to hear probably in the neighborhood of 15 people come out in opposition," Jim Corl, Town Board Member, told the press on Tuesday.
"It's bothered me for the last week, how other people can treat people that bad and say things that were said," Cicero Town Supervisor Chet Dudzinski added.
What was said at last Wednesday's meeting? It appears nothing very good. So what to do? Knock on Albany's door and ask them to repeal the section of the mental hygiene law that prompts organizations like Community Options to first approach the town with a request. The board members said that's just wrong. Why should anyone have to ask permission to live anywhere?
"This law is inherently discriminatory, it's archaic, it's mean spirited," Corl said.
Again, the law was enacted 30 years ago. How long will it take to repeal the law if it's repealed at all? Only time will tell.
The Town of Clay will also be introducing a similar resolution at their next town board meeting.