By Navideh Forghani nforghani@nbcaugusta.com
Story Published: Aug 19, 2008 at 10:46 PM EDT
Story Updated: Aug 19, 2008 at 10:48 PM EDT
It's become an issue of discrimination! One Richmond County Commissioner is asking, should the mentally challenged be allowed to live on their own? The topic was brought up after the president of a neighborhood association complained about two mentally challenged people renting a home in their neighborhood.
Commissioner Corey Johnson says the neighborhood should be informed before mentally challenged people are moving in.
"I find it disturbing if you have two people who are mentally retarded living together. It's like having two blind people living together. How is one going to show the other how to maneuver?" said Commissioner Corey Johnson, District 2.
It's a statement that sent shock waves during Tuesday's commission meeting. District Two Commissioner Corey Johnson had another idea.
"It still should be some rules and regulation to mentally retarded people living in a home together," said Commissioner Johnson.
District Three Commissioner Joe Bowles was quick to react.
"Being someone who moved into a home that two mentally retarded people lived in, it does nothing to the property value of your home and does nothing to your neighborhood. They are loving people and should be treated as such," said Commissioner Joe Bowles, District 3.
The heated debate sparked when the president of the Highland Park Neighborhood Association went before the commission complaining about an unlicensed behavioral group home operating in the neighborhood.
But that's not exactly the case. The homeowner tells NBC Augusta he's renting his home out to two mentally challenged people.
“They are just a little slow. They don't walk the streets or play loud music. I don't understand what the problem is," said Isaac Miller, homeowner.
So what is the big deal? We took that question to Commissioner Johnson.
"These people don't have the mental capacity to operate in an everyday environment. There could be some problems. It's been known that they wander off. We don’t know what the situation could come about. We need to make sure we are doing what we can to hinder that for both parties, for their well being and the people in the community,” said Commissioner Johnson.
But those who disagree say this is discrimination.
"We are living in the year 2008 and we need to make accommodations for people who are the most discriminated against group, people with disabilities," said Commissioner Bowles.
"People with disabilities have the right to live where they choose and be supported as they need to be," said Estelle Muherin Duncan, Serenity Behavioral Health Systems.
“Considering Brown verses Brown was 54 years ago. It seems the victims have become the aggressors," said Miller, homeowner.
NBC Augusta has learned the roommates don't live alone entirely. They receive assistance from Serenity Behavioral Health Systems, a group that helps care for the disabled.
Commissioner Johnson also wants to form a committee to take a closer look at the issue.
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