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Anew Center Safety No. 1 Concern Among Ellery Residents

Representatives of the Salvation Army fielded questions and addressed concerns Monday about a new facility for the Anew Center, the organization’s refuge for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Among the biggest concerns raised about the new location in Ellery — which remains undisclosed as per state law — were worries regarding security, traffic and property value dominated the evening.

Currently, the Anew Center is located in Jamestown at a mansion that is in need of several renovations. The process to find an alternative facility for the Anew Center has been in the works for 15 years, said Salvation Army Finance Manager Jeremy Swanson.

“We’re definitely closer than we’ve ever been,” Swanson said.

Despite how close the Salvation Army is to choosing this new Ellery location, obstacles still lie in the path to success, namely neighbors’ concerns and a need to amend local zoning law so that the B-2 (Highway-Business) District will allow for the support center.

While the latter issue is to be faced at a July 12 public hearing before the Ellery Planning Board, this second town hall introduced new residents to the plan of action the Salvation Army has in place to address the concerns of those who have been actively wondering about challenges the new facility could pose.

A perceived security risk the Anew Center would cause was of primary concern. In response, attorney Adam Walters led a discussion and “honest dialogue” with those in attendance and specifically highlighted security as the number one concern that needed addressing.

People were mainly concerned that: perpetrators of abuse would seek out the new facility and cause problems, the Anew Center would amplify safety concerns, a one-story building would not be sufficient for the safe housing of residents, emergency response times would not be satisfactory and there would not be a security plan in place.

Walters and Salvation Army members attempted to respond to these safety concerns. According to statistics, perpetrators rarely ever seek out the facility housing the victims because they want to keep a low profile. Over the 30-plus years the Salvation Army has run the Anew Center, only one perpetrator sought out the facility and left without incident when confronted by law enforcement.

The Salvation Army also found the project site to be well-equipped for safety of the residents. Plans to install tinted security glass along the front of the building are in place. Mutual aid would allow for law enforcement to respond to emergency calls in the area quickly in the rare circumstances police are needed. Interior and exterior cameras as well as self-locking doors and motion sensors all help to enhance the security of the establishment.

Other concerns and their responses included: an increase in traffic, which was found to not be significant; an adverse impact on property values, which was found to usually be the opposite of reality as human service facilities typically raise property values; and the impact on the local Fluvanna volunteer fire company, which was said to not be of concern to the volunteers, who support the possible new facility.

“(The town hall) went better than I had expected,” said Diana Butcher, Salvation Army Anew Center director.

While there were some heated exchanges, most all interactions regarding concerns and the Salvation Army’s responses were handled in an orderly fashion.

“It’s become time to find a new home for the Anew Center,” Walters said.

Swanson admitted that securing the new facility will be a struggle, and members of the Salvation Army agree it’s a worthwhile one. The goal of the town hall was to inform newcomers to the situation, be upfront with those concerned and see if those opposed to the new facility could overcome their worries.

“People are scared of the unknown,” said John Merchant, pastor at the Salvation Army.

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