by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 27/97) - City council has put off making a decision on the fate of a new group home proposed for School Draw Avenue after two members withdrew from the discussion.

Aldermen Ruth Spence and Merlyn William declared themselves in a conflict of interest at the start of the Monday's discussion of the rezoning request to allow a home for troubled youth at 4409 School Draw Avenue.

Both alderman live near the proposed site of the home.

With the absence of Bob Brooks, that boiled the vote down to a best two of three. (The mayor only votes in the case of a tie.)

"I apologize to those who advocate the cause, but I don't see the solution as being city council saying 'Do this,'" said Ald. Blake Lyons, speaking against a committee report that recommended the group home be permitted.

Stewart Engelberg, representing the non-profit organization behind the proposal, presented supporting letters from Frame Lake South MLA Charles Dent and a next-door neighbor of one of the organization's other group homes in the city.

Engelberg said he had personally visited all but one homeowner in the area of the proposed home.

"Without exception, all citizens recognized the need for such a home and said they would accept it if approved by council," he said.

The home would be supervised by live-in foster parents and would provide "short-term respite and care for children abused, abandoned or otherwise in need of foster care," said Engelberg.

The visits changed the minds of two of 14 homeowners who signed a petition against the proposed home, he added.

Ald. Vi Beck, the only councillor who voted to approve the home, noted, "We've already allowed two other group homes in this area, so to be fair we should allow this one."

But Ald. Trevor Kasteel suggested council, through administration, take the time to confirm the comments and results of Engelberg's visits.