My name is Ebony Lofton and I am the President of South Cove HOA. We are located right next to Grace Church.
I read your article about the planned homeless shelter and hope you’d be willing to take a statement on our views. All of the residents I’ve talked to are not in support of this plan and we want to do all we can to share our views and to hopefully stop approval of this re-zoning plan.
Personally I believe an additional homeless shelter in the county would be wonderful for the homeless and those in desperate need of social services, but not so close to residential areas. I also know that this would be a huge win for Grace Church as they have begun plans for a new location.
However, I don’t have to tell you the adverse effect it will likely have on our property values. There is also the concern of excessive loitering, a rise in crime with an already diminished Dumfries Police Department, and the overall safety threat to our children and residents with such high foot traffic in close proximity to our community.
We simply don’t have the law enforcement personnel in Dumfries to deal with an increased population of shelter patrons who may suffer from substance abuse or severe mental health issues. Furthermore, it can be assumed that this planned location will potentially serve ALL of Prince William County and some shelter patrons could be “transferred” here from other parts of the County. This an even greater concern to us.
Moreover, we are disappointed in the way this has been handled and want to make sure that the Town Council does a better job at communicating directly with its community stakeholders moving forward. South Cove HOA submitted a FOIA request and received a copy of the Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) application; it indicated plans for 100 beds, additional showers and improvements for a warm kitchen.
We plan to mention the upcoming Public Hearing in our next newsletter and are encouraging our members to attend on September 15th and to contact our local officials directly.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
