Bellevue Plan Is Crazy

In the summer of 2009, the city’s Department of Homeless Services will close it’s homeless shelter in the former Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. The reason for the eviction of our less fortunate neighbors? The building has been sold and will be converted into yet another luxury hotel for out-of-towners! 600 clients currently being served there may be back on the streets. Those fortunate enough to make it to the outer boroughs may be housed in homeless facilities there. Homeless Services Commissioner Robert Hess guarantees that permanent housing will be found for most of the homeless folks and that others will be taken in by borough shelters. Wouldn’t it be nice if Mr. Hess as the official in charge guaranteed everyone that he will personally take in every homeless person who might fall through the cracks in his plan? Doubtful, huh? Ah, yes. Personal responsibility in government. Such a rare commodity.