Metro Center Threatens Pioneer House

Metro Center Threatens Pioneer House

by Paul O’Brien

On Tuesday, April 24, the Sentinel carried a front-page story on how the proposed Metrobase in Harvey West Park will displace Goodwill and the popular "Bargain Barn". The article failed to mention that the proposed bus barn will also displace Pioneer House if the current plans are implemented. Finding a new facility for Pioneer House will be a difficult task indeed. The program provides day treatment services for mental health clients who also have serious substance abuse problems. Many of these clients are referred by the criminal justice system and many more are homeless. Fairly or not, this is not a population that will be readily welcomed into a new neighborhood.

The current location works very well for the Pioneer house program. Being in Harvey West Park, it is close to many of the other services that are needed and utilized by these individuals. The facility provides considerable privacy (despite the Bargain Barn!), plus it has a commercial style kitchen, front and back yards large enough to accommodate recreation, quiet space, and a garden, and adequate parking... all at a reasonable rent from Goodwill - our landlord.

The need for the services at Pioneer House is so high that the program has to maintain a waiting list. To find a new facility for the program that is comparable, convenient, affordable, and politically acceptable may prove to be impossible. If you would like to see this program continue, you should let the Metro and the Transportation Commission know you object to the Goodwill properties and Pioneer House being displaced for a bus repair terminal.

You can Send your Comments to:

SCMTD,
370 Encinal St., Suite 100,
Santa Cruz, CA. 95060,
Fax: 831-426-6117.
Email: Metrobase@scmtd.com

On Wednesday May 23, 2001 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Metro Board of Directors will hold a Special Board Meeting to discuss the MetroBase project. Discussion will include analysis of the land purchase and potential relocation of Pioneer House. The meeting will be held at the County Board of Supervisors Chambers at 701 Ocean St., Room 525, Santa Cruz, CA.

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