Long View Farm Expansion.....

[The Raven]

This letter to the editor (http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/x57964600/Letter-to-the-editor-Lincoln-Road-residents-dont-want-to-lose-rural-charm) of this weeks Walpole Times had me wondering if we need to change the town motto from "The Friendly Town" to something else.

Longview Farm, operated by the Home for Little Wanderers (http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_history) has been a positive force in helping children for decades. I think hosting Longview Farm and all of its associated problems is a good thing for the Town of Walpole.

[Unregistered]

The town has hosted a relatively small facility on Lincoln Rd that fit in its surroundings. A small school on a narrow country road.
Now Longview want to become a full blown school with a much larger resident population. It most certainly will no longer fit on the small country Rd.
The fact that a small school worked does not mean that a much larger school will work. In fact it there are very serious questions about infrastructure in the area.
The police department may also have some very serious question about the size of this facility. It is not a private school but a school for troubled kids. How big a school like that should the town host?

Not the smallest factor is the fact that this facility is tax exempt. Doesn't even contribute to our tax base but may start to drain town resources.

[Unregistered]

I agree with Raven. I cannot believe the local paper devoted so much space to a letter from a group of people who are complaining about a school expansion. Give me a break. Imagine if this group lived next to door a Level 3 biolab? The expansion of a school is not potentially lethal. The release of Level 3 agents can be. The same goes for the group opposing a police station.

I bet the neighbors living next to Siemens would gladly take a school or police station any day in exchange for a Level 3lab.

Give me a break.

[Unregistered]

I was able to view this plan and it's a wonderful plan whoever the engineers were that put it together. This will be a pleasant asset to the Town once this site is updated.

[Unregistered]

I've actually been watching this situation with interest for a few months now, and while the letter published in the Walpole times last week left me with a similar impression, there's a lot more to the story than the letter conveys. I attended one of the meetings that the school had with the community to discuss the planned expansion and I was shocked at first by the size and layout of their plans, and then by their refusal to act on the feedback they received from the community.

Let me state right off the bat that the neighbors that live in the adjoining properties are more supportive of the school and it's cause than most people in town are. What they're not so friendly with are the architects and planners from the organization who--in my estimation--are acting rather unneighborly in how they've proceeded with their plans. When the school's last expansion was approved the town gave them some very specific building height restrictions that they have completely ignored in the expansion plans they're trying to move forward with today. Despite the promises made in the initial meeting, the plan was developed without any community input. Then, after the plan was presented at the second meeting, the community's concerns were completely ignored. If Longview Farms wants to be a part of the community they're really going to need to fix this.

The problem isn't just limited to the organization's disregard for it's neighbors, there are some more practical concerns that could be a lot more costly to the town than folks might realize. The area is zoned for low density residential housing. The school plans to double their population, housing around 40 kids and support 80 kids during the day. The town infrastructure along that section of Lincoln road is poorly equipped to handle that large of an increase in population. Traffic problems on the very narrow roads and blind intersections are a major concern. Water/Sewer infrastructure will need to be improved. I'd also suspect that the strain on our police/fire services will grow exponentially with the increased density. Is Walpole willing to make these costs a priority at this point in time?

Rejecting their planned expansion does not mean kicking them out of Walpole, or damaging their ability to do good. Similarly, supporting the school's cause does not mean approving every aspect of their proposal. The community, and the town are willing to work with Longview Farm to achieve a solution that benefits everyone. Until the organization agrees to do the same I would not approve waiving their zoning requirements.

[Unregistered]

I agree with Raven. I cannot believe the local paper devoted so much space to a letter from a group of people who are complaining about a school expansion. Give me a break. Imagine if this group lived next to door a Level 3 biolab? The expansion of a school is not potentially lethal. The release of Level 3 agents can be. The same goes for the group opposing a police station.

I bet the neighbors living next to Siemens would gladly take a school or police station any day in exchange for a Level 3lab.

Give me a break.

While I agree that a level 3 biolab is a far worse neighbor than a school, there's already been quite a few letters posted on that subject. I'd rather hear some new information about an issue that I'm not currently aware of than another letter rehashing the same thoughts on a topic I've already made up my mind on. This school's expansion seems like it's going to be bad for the town. Is it the most important issue of the day? No, but it is a valid concern for the community involved as well as the town. The discussions concerning the biolab and police station are completely irrelevant to whether this school's expansion will benefit the town.

[Unregistered]

While I agree that a level 3 biolab is a far worse neighbor than a school, there's already been quite a few letters posted on that subject. I'd rather hear some new information about an issue that I'm not currently aware of than another letter rehashing the same thoughts on a topic I've already made up my mind on. This school's expansion seems like it's going to be bad for the town. Is it the most important issue of the day? No, but it is a valid concern for the community involved as well as the town. The discussions concerning the biolab and police station are completely irrelevant to whether this school's expansion will benefit the town.

I hadn't seen any letters about biotech until this week. I have read plenty of letters about the police station which are a rehash of I don't want it in my backyard.

There hasn't been enough open discussion on the biotech matter given the seriousness of the situation. I am not as interested in hearing about a school expansion with heaven forbid 20 to 40 more students. Oh the burden of it all.

[Unregistered]

I was able to view this plan and it's a wonderful plan whoever the engineers were that put it together. This will be a pleasant asset to the Town once this site is updated.

I'd like to hear some more specifics about what you like about the plan and how will it be an asset.

Thanks!

[Unregistered]

I'd like to hear some more specifics about what you like about the plan and how will it be an asset.

Thanks!

Yeah, I'm also a bit curious how something that pays no taxes to the town, yet will be using town services, will be an asset. The police and fire departments already go to that location fairly often, and those responses are only going to increase along with the size of the facility. I think I need to re-check the definition of asset. And have you ever been there? There isn't anything pleasant about it.

[Unregistered]

Yeah, I'm also a bit curious how something that pays no taxes to the town, yet will be using town services, will be an asset. The police and fire departments already go to that location fairly often, and those responses are only going to increase along with the size of the facility. I think I need to re-check the definition of asset. And have you ever been there? There isn't anything pleasant about it.

Using that logic, you would be talking about the town's schools too. They pay no taxes and use town services. Sometimes the police and fire repsond to the town's schools too.

[Unregistered]

Using that logic, you would be talking about the town's schools too. They pay no taxes and use town services. Sometimes the police and fire repsond to the town's schools too.

I would like to see an agreement where Walpole studnets who needed/wanted to attend this facility did not with not fee to the town. That would really help out the town budget for expensive outplacement of students who need those services, and also help to offset the cost of other services provided by the town.

[Unregistered]

Using that logic, you would be talking about the town's schools too. They pay no taxes and use town services. Sometimes the police and fire repsond to the town's schools too.

The town's schools are owned and controlled by the public. The school in question is a privately owned organization. It also may be misleading to equate it to a school. The organization is a home for troubled youth from all over the state. Their primary focus is counseling.

The school does provide a benefit to society, and I don't think anyone wants to stop them from doing this; the question at hand is about the benefits that the school's expansion will provide to the town, whether these are a priority at this point in time given the costs, and how effective this planned growth would actually be at achieving the school's goals. At the end of the day, the area is poorly suited to support this expansion.

[Unregistered]

As a Town official, I have had the opportunity to review the Longview Farm Plan. This is a plan that was carefully developed and architect with the neighbors in mind. Yes, some minor changes are necessary, but that's common in any initial plan. This facility has been in existence for many, many years at its current location and needs modern day update to incorporate the closing of a school in Jamaica Plain. I understand the neigbor's concerns, but believe me, you could have far worse.

[Unregistered]

As a Town official, I have had the opportunity to review the Longview Farm Plan. This is a plan that was carefully developed and architect with the neighbors in mind. Yes, some minor changes are necessary, but that's common in any initial plan. This facility has been in existence for many, many years at its current location and needs modern day update to incorporate the closing of a school in Jamaica Plain. I understand the neigbor's concerns, but believe me, you could have far worse.

Based on what I've seen and heard of the plan I was shocked at precisely how little attention they seemed to have given to the neighbors' concerns. I'm not going to disagree with you yet, but I'd like to hear some more specifics about the following:
1) What are the minor changes that you think should be made to the plan?
2) How do you feel that this benefits the town?
3) Who are you? (or if you're uncomfortable giving that info out on the internet just what is your role in town government)

I'd also like to reiterate that a person's concerns aren't rendered invalid just because the situation could be worse. Frankly, this makes me trust your opinion a lot less.

[Unregistered]

As a Town official, I have had the opportunity to review the Longview Farm Plan. This is a plan that was carefully developed and architect with the neighbors in mind. Yes, some minor changes are necessary, but that's common in any initial plan. This facility has been in existence for many, many years at its current location and needs modern day update to incorporate the closing of a school in Jamaica Plain. I understand the neigbor's concerns, but believe me, you could have far worse.

If you are going to comment as a town official with inside information on this plan and how wonderful it is you should say who you are.
The fact that they are closing a school in JP part of the city and moving it to Walpole should raise questions to anyone with the ability to to reason.
A school an program that fits in the city of Boston does not by its history mean it fits in the Town of Walpole. You may have noticed that the infrastructure in Boston, roads, fire department, police department, water & sewer are a little differnt in Jamiaca Plain.

Can Lincoln Road handle that?? Lincoln Rd is not exactly the Jamica way.

[Unregistered]

If you are going to comment as a town official with inside information on this plan and how wonderful it is you should say who you are.
The fact that they are closing a school in JP part of the city and moving it to Walpole should raise questions to anyone with the ability to to reason.
A school an program that fits in the city of Boston does not by its history mean it fits in the Town of Walpole. You may have noticed that the infrastructure in Boston, roads, fire department, police department, water & sewer are a little differnt in Jamiaca Plain.

Can Lincoln Road handle that?? Lincoln Rd is not exactly the Jamica way.

So it seems like the gripe is really not about the the Farm's development plan, it's about bringing children in from Jamaica Plain. Most of these kids will be housed at Longwiew, thereby traffic is really not an issue here. I have been down at Longview and it is in need of some serious update.

[Unregistered]

So it seems like the gripe is really not about the the Farm's development plan, it's about bringing children in from Jamaica Plain. Most of these kids will be housed at Longwiew, thereby traffic is really not an issue here. I have been down at Longview and it is in need of some serious update.

Nice that someone who admits they haven't been to longview supports importing added troubled kids to the neighborhood. Someday you may have an issue and the rest of the town may have the same feeling about you.

also when you don't know what you are talking about it is a good idea to remain silent. They are enlarging the resident population and the day population.

[The Raven]

Nice that someone who admits they haven't been to longview supports importing added troubled kids to the neighborhood. Someday you may have an issue and the rest of the town may have the same feeling about you.

also when you don't know what you are talking about it is a good idea to remain silent. They are enlarging the resident population and the day population.

Lets put up a fence around Walpole, and prevent "troubled kids" from entering our dear acreage. The funny thing: I can tell you with all honesty: Walpole kids, who are from good parents, who grow up in a fine family, who go to a good school, who grow up in a dear sweet sweet New England town can still end up "troubled". I know that for a fact: I grew up in Walpole with LOTS of them.


Bring on the troubled kids from Jamaica Plain, I say. Let all our children learn about the real world firsthand. It prepares them for that thing we all call life.

The Raven

[Unregistered]

I drove down Lincoln Road yesterday to put the plan in perspective.

Based on my observations, the size and scope of the plan are out of character for this location. Additionally, the town infrastructure (police, fire, ambulance) are having a hard time supporting the existing town footprint.

Before this is approved the school should be required to fund an impact study including water/ sewage and transportation.

Currently people wanting to visit students have access to public transportation in JP. There is no public transportation to this site.

If this was a for profit business wanting to expand there, would we be having these discussions?

[Unregistered]

Lets put up a fence around Walpole, and prevent "troubled kids" from entering our dear acreage. The funny thing: I can tell you with all honesty: Walpole kids, who are from good parents, who grow up in a fine family, who go to a good school, who grow up in a dear sweet sweet New England town can still end up "troubled". I know that for a fact: I grew up in Walpole with LOTS of them.


Bring on the troubled kids from Jamaica Plain, I say. Let all our children learn about the real world firsthand. It prepares them for that thing we all call life.

The Raven

I think that it is great that the residents in this area have supported the school thus far, but I think that to expand the facility to a larger one, with more residents and day students, may be asking a bit to much of the neighborhood. Our own children in Walpole will learn nothing from this facility, as most of them will have limited to no interaction with the school or its residents. Raven, what do you support in your neighborhood?

[Unregistered]

I don't remember anyone saying where these kids are coming from. And it would not be a stretch to find a comment about people from Jamaica Plain needing public transportation very insulting. These kids may come from troubled homes, but it makes no difference at all where those kids come from. Do you think every kid in Walpole is trouble free? Guess again. I honestly think this is being turned into something completely different than what it really is and people will use any tactic possible to keep something away that they don't agree with.

[Unregistered]

I drove down Lincoln Road yesterday to put the plan in perspective.

Based on my observations, the size and scope of the plan are out of character for this location. Additionally, the town infrastructure (police, fire, ambulance) are having a hard time supporting the existing town footprint.

Before this is approved the school should be required to fund an impact study including water/ sewage and transportation.

Currently people wanting to visit students have access to public transportation in JP. There is no public transportation to this site.

If this was a for profit business wanting to expand there, would we be having these discussions?

You drove down lincoln Rd. did you get out and walk the area...didnt the mall at walpole just expand? still a traffic nightmare there. more water, more sewer, these kids dont drive cars, they are lucky to have some place to go. the place has been there forever. enough....another topic beaten to death

[Unregistered]

I think that it is great that the residents in this area have supported the school thus far, but I think that to expand the facility to a larger one, with more residents and day students, may be asking a bit to much of the neighborhood. Our own children in Walpole will learn nothing from this facility, as most of them will have limited to no interaction with the school or its residents. Raven, what do you support in your neighborhood?

I support Longview Farm!

To claim that "our own children in Walpole will learn nothing from this facility" is an ignorant statement. The Raven, who grew up in Walpole, had contact with Longview Farm residents while he was a young person. It was a positive experience. I am sorry to disappoint you!

The Raven....

[Sparky]

I support Longview Farm!

To claim that "our own children in Walpole will learn nothing from this facility" is an ignorant statement. The Raven, who grew up in Walpole, had contact with Longview Farm residents while he was a young person. It was a positive experience. I am sorry to disappoint you!

The Raven....
This implies that your experience from many years ago is still representative. My kids had no idea Longview Farm exists. Growing up, I had no idea where it was; I wasn't even sure it was located in Walpole.

I'm not commenting on the expansion; I'm merely commenting on your observation of the local value derived from it. I'd say the primary local value is that is provides a community example of helping others in need. It's difficult to weigh such an intangible against the impact on its neighbors and its cost to the community in terms of resources.

[Unregistered]

The Longview Farm expansion is still a good plan. The level of traffic will be miniscule since most of the students live there. The place also needs to be spruced up and what is being propsed is good planning and development.

[Unregistered]

The Longview Farm expansion is still a good plan. The level of traffic will be miniscule since most of the students live there. The place also needs to be spruced up and what is being propsed is good planning and development.

Why.
What is wrong with Walpole? Why do people think that Walpole should always sholder responsiblity for the area and the state. We have prisons which cost us money and the state no longer reimburses us.
Now a larger school for troubled kids, which pays no taxes but according to the police department is a growing strain on services.
Why?
By the way most of the students don't live there and even if they did why do we have to be the dorm for am ever increasing number of troubled kids bringing twenty four hour a day problems?

[Unregistered]

Why.
What is wrong with Walpole? Why do people think that Walpole should always sholder responsiblity for the area and the state. We have prisons which cost us money and the state no longer reimburses us.
Now a larger school for troubled kids, which pays no taxes but according to the police department is a growing strain on services.
Why?
By the way most of the students don't live there and even if they did why do we have to be the dorm for am ever increasing number of troubled kids bringing twenty four hour a day problems?

So, the problem is not the school, it's the trouble kids? That's a selfish attitude. This school has been there for quite some time now and all they are doing is upgrading it. The place right now is looking old and needs a complete new expansion which will be a better asset in that community.

[Unregistered]

So, the problem is not the school, it's the trouble kids? That's a selfish attitude. This school has been there for quite some time now and all they are doing is upgrading it. The place right now is looking old and needs a complete new expansion which will be a better asset in that community.

Increasing the population (with any group not just kids) is going to increase the amount of services needed. In this case, the school already pays NOTHING for the services that it used due to non-profit taxes. Increasing the amount of services we send that way is going to cost us even more.

I've said before, why not set up a deal with Walpole residents who need the services offered there get them for free/pro-rated fees that help offset the costs to the town? A type of "payment in leiu of taxes"?

[Unregistered]

This letter to the editor (http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/x57964600/Letter-to-the-editor-Lincoln-Road-residents-dont-want-to-lose-rural-charm) of this weeks Walpole Times had me wondering if we need to change the town motto from "The Friendly Town" to something else.

Longview Farm, operated by the Home for Little Wanderers (http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_history) has been a positive force in helping children for decades. I think hosting Longview Farm and all of its associated problems is a good thing for the Town of Walpole.

Maybe they could build it near your house? Would you consider that a good thing?

[Unregistered]

Anyone read the police log for the past week and see how many times the police were called to Longview Farm? Funny how this is dismissed and trivialized by those representing Longview Farm. Just what we need, double the population. Maybe there is room for the new police station at the Longview site?

[Unregistered]

Anyone read the police log for the past week and see how many times the police were called to Longview Farm? Funny how this is dismissed and trivialized by those representing Longview Farm. Just what we need, double the population. Maybe there is room for the new police station at the Longview site?

the cops have been showing up at LVF for decades. They also show up at the parking lot around 7-11 (for decades), certain spots around town, etc. Do you read about the shoplifters at Walpole Mall?

Whining about LVF is not going to make it go away. I suggest becoming involved with these kids. They need help, not stones thrown at them.

[Unregistered]

the cops have been showing up at LVF for decades. They also show up at the parking lot around 7-11 (for decades), certain spots around town, etc. Do you read about the shoplifters at Walpole Mall?

Whining about LVF is not going to make it go away. I suggest becoming involved with these kids. They need help, not stones thrown at them.

What part of Lincoln Rd do you live on? How much time do you donate to the kids? Do you compliment them when they vandalize your property? Just curious.

[Unregistered]

What part of Lincoln Rd do you live on? How much time do you donate to the kids? Do you compliment them when they vandalize your property? Just curious.

what is the nature of the vandalism? We want to know the details about what these kids have done to the neighborhood.

Facts please. We may all agree with you when we know the details.

I do not live on Lincoln Road, but if I did, I'd rather live near Longview Farm than the high tension wires or near the ball field or train tracks.

Everyone has the negative parts of their neighborhoods. Even people in Dover have issues: No shopping for miles!

[Unregistered]

what is the nature of the vandalism? We want to know the details about what these kids have done to the neighborhood.

Facts please. We may all agree with you when we know the details.

I do not live on Lincoln Road, but if I did, I'd rather live near Longview Farm than the high tension wires or near the ball field or train tracks.

Everyone has the negative parts of their neighborhoods. Even people in Dover have issues: No shopping for miles!

There's not much that can be done about this expansion because zoning allows it. So maybe it's best to works towards a better supervision and security plan for the Home.

[Unregistered]

So where is the process now? Is the expansion going forward?
Right now, the school fits into the surrounding area and they have been pretty good neighbors. I have been getting increasingly concerned about the runaway reports in the police log. The middle school and high school boys that attend this school come from very troubled homes and have serious issues of their own. I am worried that an increase in student population will lead to increased runaways who could possibly come onto neighbors property for reasons other than to say "hi". While their issues are private because of their age, these issues could be a safety concern for those of us who live nearby. The buildings may be expanded, but will the staff be as well, and is the salary for such 24 hour staffing enough to attrack high quality professionals who can keep the kids and neighbors safe?

[Unregistered]

what is the nature of the vandalism? We want to know the details about what these kids have done to the neighborhood.

Facts please. We may all agree with you when we know the details.

I do not live on Lincoln Road, but if I did, I'd rather live near Longview Farm than the high tension wires or near the ball field or train tracks.

Everyone has the negative parts of their neighborhoods. Even people in Dover have issues: No shopping for miles!

Walpole always has unreasonable developement in progress and I am sick of it.

[Unregistered]

So where is the process now? Is the expansion going forward?
Right now, the school fits into the surrounding area and they have been pretty good neighbors. I have been getting increasingly concerned about the runaway reports in the police log. The middle school and high school boys that attend this school come from very troubled homes and have serious issues of their own. I am worried that an increase in student population will lead to increased runaways who could possibly come onto neighbors property for reasons other than to say "hi". While their issues are private because of their age, these issues could be a safety concern for those of us who live nearby. The buildings may be expanded, but will the staff be as well, and is the salary for such 24 hour staffing enough to attrack high quality professionals who can keep the kids and neighbors safe?

If you are concerned about safety, maybe a condition for approval of the expansion by the Planning Board is that The Home hire on site security (24/7) to reduce the strain on our police department and give greater peace of mind to the neighborhood.

[Unregistered]

The Chief of Police has openly stated that he is against this expansion due to the current problems at Longview farm. It's only going to get worse by doubling the student population and anyone who thinks otherwise is not being realistic. What will end up happening is the Farm will stop calling the police in order to make it appear that everything is under control. They cannot control the kids that are there now and to think that they will be able to control a much larger group is totally unrealistic. I'll take Chief Stillman's assessment of the situation over LVF's director any day of the week. There isn't one person who lives in the area who is in favor of this expansion. The only ones who support it don't live anywhere near it. Longview is already a negative part of the Lincoln Rd neighborhood, it shouldn't be made into an even bigger one.

[Unregistered]

Walpole always has unreasonable developement in progress and I am sick of it.

I really take exception to your post. For your information, Mass Gen. Law allows a school, church, etc. to go ANYWHERE - in any zone - in any neighborhood. Someone could build a school next door to you. So, for you to say Walpole has unreasonable development always in progress is an unfair remark. Our hands are tied. We can only condition any expansion. I believe the various boards in town are working hard to make this expansion work for the neighbors and the school. It is not easy to please everyone.

[Unregistered]

I really take exception to your post. For your information, Mass Gen. Law allows a school, church, etc. to go ANYWHERE - in any zone - in any neighborhood. Someone could build a school next door to you. So, for you to say Walpole has unreasonable development always in progress is an unfair remark. Our hands are tied. We can only condition any expansion. I believe the various boards in town are working hard to make this expansion work for the neighbors and the school. It is not easy to please everyone.

Unfortunately, this expansion is not going to work with the neighbors. It will completely change the character and traffic of a beautiful rural neighborhood. The facility has been there for decades. The neighbors have tolerated a lot over the years. It becomes more of a police problem area as each year goes by. The expansion will make it much worse than it currently is. Listen to our Police Chief.

[Sparky]

I don't see how you could read Chief Stillman's comments and possibly be in favor of this expansion. People who seem to be very familiar with its history are making it clear that it has been moving in the wrong direction, and that this proposed expansion is asking for trouble. The evidence in the number of police calls seems undeniable.

[Unregistered]

While I do not live on Lincoln Road, I do live within walking distance of the school. I am not surprised by the response of the neighbors to the LVF expansion, but I would expect perhaps a bit more tolerance from the people in this town. I grew up here and that school has been part of the community (good and bad) for as long as I can remember. Guess what, LVF is not the only place the WPD is visitng. Our town residents, young and old are causing plenty of trouble for the WPD. Why just this week in the Police Log there were 4 separate calls for incidents on Hoover Road. Why aren't people up in arms about about that?

This school has been helping children in this town for longer than many others have lived here. How about acting like neighbors and getting on board with them and working with them to make the expansion work.

[Unregistered]

While I do not live on Lincoln Road, I do live within walking distance of the school. I am not surprised by the response of the neighbors to the LVF expansion, but I would expect perhaps a bit more tolerance from the people in this town. I grew up here and that school has been part of the community (good and bad) for as long as I can remember. Guess what, LVF is not the only place the WPD is visitng. Our town residents, young and old are causing plenty of trouble for the WPD. Why just this week in the Police Log there were 4 separate calls for incidents on Hoover Road. Why aren't people up in arms about about that?

This school has been helping children in this town for longer than many others have lived here. How about acting like neighbors and getting on board with them and working with them to make the expansion work.

Perhaps when you or your children walk by the "school" now growing into more of a detention facility and are assaulted with stones you will think back on you comments.
Also just because kids have been at Longview for years who were orphans does not mean that the facility continues to operate with the same mission.
I have lived in Walpole for years, I went to school with kids from the farm. They did not assault the instructors like they do today. They did NOT cause trouble in the neighborhood.
I am truly tired of people making themselves feel better at the expense of others. If you do not deal with the problems of the facility stop telling others how they should be happy to see it grow. Walpole has enough of this kind of selfish behavior, selfish behavior disguised as caring- caring as long as the headaches go to other people.

[Unregistered]

I don't see any way in which this expansion is good for Walpole. The facility's patrons are increasing out of control, so what do you do? Expand on that success?

Our town, like many others, are running on a very slim margin; money is tight. LVF is now prepared to change the character of it's facility and the neighborhood, increase Walpole's costs to support them, add additional risks to the neighbors, and all with a "well, it's our land, you can't zone us, so screw" attitude?

Tell you what, go find some other patsy town for your issues, we have enough of them on our own.

[Unregistered]

I don't see how you could read Chief Stillman's comments and possibly be in favor of this expansion. People who seem to be very familiar with its history are making it clear that it has been moving in the wrong direction, and that this proposed expansion is asking for trouble. The evidence in the number of police calls seems undeniable.

in favor or not, there is no way the citizens of walpole can block this expansion. I understand the Chief of PD's comments, and I understand the neighbors comments. But there seems to be more fear here than actual damage done. Can anyone specifically claim that they have been harassed or had property damage done by any of the residents? That is what I want to know.

Maybe LVF needs to hire a better security force. They probably should, not just to appease the neighbors, but to help out the staff there.

[Unregistered]

it seems that there is no placating the neighbors of LVF. Suggestion: Open protest. Make headlines in the news. Block the roadway on Lincoln Road by lying down in front of the buses coming in/out of LVF. Wave Confederate flags at the african american kids at LVF (use the rebel fan defense, its worked for decades!) Make a stink!

Walpole has been portrayed very poorly in the news lately.

You might as well as stick with the image. There is an element in this country that loves that kind of thing. It may drive some people out of town, but will bring in others to "The Cause"


Walpole: The Nastiest Town in Massachusetts

[Unregistered]

While I do not live on Lincoln Road, I do live within walking distance of the school. I am not surprised by the response of the neighbors to the LVF expansion, but I would expect perhaps a bit more tolerance from the people in this town. I grew up here and that school has been part of the community (good and bad) for as long as I can remember. Guess what, LVF is not the only place the WPD is visitng. Our town residents, young and old are causing plenty of trouble for the WPD. Why just this week in the Police Log there were 4 separate calls for incidents on Hoover Road. Why aren't people up in arms about about that?

This school has been helping children in this town for longer than many others have lived here. How about acting like neighbors and getting on board with them and working with them to make the expansion work.

How about we demand some moderation? The residemnts and the town are ALREADY doing their part and WORKING HARD to make it work. This size expansion is just TOO much. It is completely out of scope with the neighborhood. No-one is saying to run them out of town, but what folks are saying is that the expansion is too much.

Everything always seems so over the top when it comes to developement in this town. Why can't we have some moderation? There would be a lot less fighting if we were not always dealing with extremes. Just because the residents of Lincoln Road have made it work thus far, does not meen they should have to make anything and everything work.

I for one appreciate what the residents in that area have accomodated thus far, and I think Longview Farm should show some decency and concern fr those very same neighbors. This is not the site for such a large operation. ...and quite frankly the argument that it is a "school" is starting to wear thin with me. It is a facility for troubled youth who need to be removed from their homes. They provide an education as a part of that social service. They are closer to a detention facility in my eyes than they are a school.

So where do the MA General Laws stand on detention facilities Ms. Politico...

[Unregistered]

Walpole has the prisons, the special ed school on route 1 and the current Longview Farm....isn't that enough? Why is it that whenever these organizations want something, Walpole is portrayed as meanspirited. This groups is now saying that the additional children are between the ages of 5-13, boys and girls. So we are suppose to conjure up in our minds darling little children....no one's is saying they aren't. But thecurrent population is a group of very troubled boys from 12-18 or so and I can't help but think there will be additional trouble with the addition of younger ages and mixed genders and will need the additional help fo our police department without additional tax revenues from this organization and Walpole taxpayers will be expected to pay for the additional services. These are not children of Walpole taxpayers and do we need to be reminded that this town just laid off teachers for Walpole children because our town can't afford them?
Here's another thought...this facility will promose that they will supply adequate staff to ensure safety to the town and neighbors inparticular. Really? Their staff is underpaid and has a high turnover. Walpole needs to keep this facility from expanding

[Unregistered]

Walpole has the prisons, the special ed school on route 1 and the current Longview Farm....isn't that enough? Why is it that whenever these organizations want something, Walpole is portrayed as meanspirited. This groups is now saying that the additional children are between the ages of 5-13, boys and girls. So we are suppose to conjure up in our minds darling little children....no one's is saying they aren't. But thecurrent population is a group of very troubled boys from 12-18 or so and I can't help but think there will be additional trouble with the addition of younger ages and mixed genders and will need the additional help fo our police department without additional tax revenues from this organization and Walpole taxpayers will be expected to pay for the additional services. These are not children of Walpole taxpayers and do we need to be reminded that this town just laid off teachers for Walpole children because our town can't afford them?
Here's another thought...this facility will promose that they will supply adequate staff to ensure safety to the town and neighbors inparticular. Really? Their staff is underpaid and has a high turnover. Walpole needs to keep this facility from expanding

If LVF has the right to expand, there is nothing you can do.

Its pretty simple.

Find some loophole in the law and exploit it, but even if you are successful, you will come across as world-class mean-spirited and guranteed to make the headlines. The mainstream media has been focusing on Walpole's negatives lately. You are just providing more grist for their mill.

My best suggestion: Drop it and live with it.

[Unregistered]

If LVF has the right to expand, there is nothing you can do.

Its pretty simple.

Find some loophole in the law and exploit it, but even if you are successful, you will come across as world-class mean-spirited and guranteed to make the headlines. The mainstream media has been focusing on Walpole's negatives lately. You are just providing more grist for their mill.

My best suggestion: Drop it and live with it.

I could not disagree more! This town has a long history of activism, and time and time again citizen protesters have stood up and literally saved the town from itself. Give up and live with it? You will look mean sprited? Anything can be done, and it can be done and handled correctly. There are a few negative folks in this town who like to portray citizen rights and public participation in the process as something to be ashamed of. They like to portray that anyone who doesn't just "go along" is a bad person.

Nothing could be further from the truth! The history of citizen activism is one of the things that drew me to this community. The yankee spirit of standing up for ones self and for one's rights has a wonderful history here, and the residents around Longview will carry on that tradition. Yes, believe it or not, they have rights to. They have opinions and investments in this community which deserve to be protected. Where is our Board of Selectman? I would expect them to take a leadership role and try to negotiate some kind of a settlement to this situation.

Town government exists to further the quality of life in our community. To stand for residents and our vision of the town. Every neighborhood matters. No neighborhood should be forgotten or sacrificed. No one should be asked to "just live with it", especially by those who are unaffected.

[Unregistered]

Walpole has the prisons, the special ed school on route 1 and the current Longview Farm....isn't that enough? Why is it that whenever these organizations want something, Walpole is portrayed as meanspirited. This groups is now saying that the additional children are between the ages of 5-13, boys and girls. So we are suppose to conjure up in our minds darling little children....no one's is saying they aren't. But thecurrent population is a group of very troubled boys from 12-18 or so and I can't help but think there will be additional trouble with the addition of younger ages and mixed genders and will need the additional help fo our police department without additional tax revenues from this organization and Walpole taxpayers will be expected to pay for the additional services. These are not children of Walpole taxpayers and do we need to be reminded that this town just laid off teachers for Walpole children because our town can't afford them?
Here's another thought...this facility will promose that they will supply adequate staff to ensure safety to the town and neighbors inparticular. Really? Their staff is underpaid and has a high turnover. Walpole needs to keep this facility from expanding

Wow - so there is no room in our community for for special ed students or troubled children? I can understand where Walpole is getting it's bad reputation, from comments like these. For the record, the "special ed" school on route 1 is The League School, a day and residential school for children with autism. Furthermore, just this year it was given an award as being one of the "best in the business". From their blog:
>> League School of Greater Boston was recently selected by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) as a NASET School of Excellence for the 2010-2011 school year. Each year, this honor is bestowed on private special education schools across the nation that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education. This year League School was one of only four Massachusetts private special education schools to to be selected.<<

Using the term "special ed" in the context it was used above is just plain ignorant.

[Unregistered]

If LVF has the right to expand, there is nothing you can do.

Its pretty simple.

Find some loophole in the law and exploit it, but even if you are successful, you will come across as world-class mean-spirited and guranteed to make the headlines. The mainstream media has been focusing on Walpole's negatives lately. You are just providing more grist for their mill.

My best suggestion: Drop it and live with it.

Why not let them move into your neighborhood? Would you be happy about it then? You people crack me up. LVF is a burden and a problem now. Doubling it's size is not going to make it less so. Listen to what your top public safety official has to say about it.

[Unregistered]

Walpole has the prisons, the special ed school on route 1 and the current Longview Farm....isn't that enough? Why is it that whenever these organizations want something, Walpole is portrayed as meanspirited. This groups is now saying that the additional children are between the ages of 5-13, boys and girls. So we are suppose to conjure up in our minds darling little children....no one's is saying they aren't. But thecurrent population is a group of very troubled boys from 12-18 or so and I can't help but think there will be additional trouble with the addition of younger ages and mixed genders and will need the additional help fo our police department without additional tax revenues from this organization and Walpole taxpayers will be expected to pay for the additional services. These are not children of Walpole taxpayers and do we need to be reminded that this town just laid off teachers for Walpole children because our town can't afford them?
Here's another thought...this facility will promose that they will supply adequate staff to ensure safety to the town and neighbors inparticular. Really? Their staff is underpaid and has a high turnover. Walpole needs to keep this facility from expanding


"These are not children of Walpole taxpayers and do we need to be reminded that this town just laid off teachers for Walpole children because our town can't afford them?"

The whole post is just unbelievable but the above quote is even more unbelievable. We aren't paying for the kids who go to Longview. Have some decency amd compasiion please.

[Unregistered]

The town does not have enough revenue to afford an adequate number of teachers for its oublic schools, educating the children of Walpole taxpayers. How then, can the town afford to pay for the extra town services (police, fire, EMTs) LVF will need for the the expansion? What is ignorant about that? It's the truth. No one said the town paid for the school, what the town pays for is the extra puvlic safety services this facility will need and the town can't afford it and LVF doesn't pay taxes to the town. Is that clear?

[Unregistered]

"These are not children of Walpole taxpayers and do we need to be reminded that this town just laid off teachers for Walpole children because our town can't afford them?"

The whole post is just unbelievable but the above quote is even more unbelievable. We aren't paying for the kids who go to Longview. Have some decency amd compasiion please.

But we do pay for the police to go there a few times a week. And it will be a lot more with double the students.

[Unregistered]

"These are not children of Walpole taxpayers and do we need to be reminded that this town just laid off teachers for Walpole children because our town can't afford them?"

The whole post is just unbelievable but the above quote is even more unbelievable. We aren't paying for the kids who go to Longview. Have some decency amd compasiion please.

That's not entirely true. LVF does have associated costs to the town in the form of services. Have you read the Police Chief's assessment?

[Unregistered]

Wow - so there is no room in our community for for special ed students or troubled children? I can understand where Walpole is getting it's bad reputation, from comments like these. For the record, the "special ed" school on route 1 is The League School, a day and residential school for children with autism. Furthermore, just this year it was given an award as being one of the "best in the business". From their blog:
>> League School of Greater Boston was recently selected by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) as a NASET School of Excellence for the 2010-2011 school year. Each year, this honor is bestowed on private special education schools across the nation that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education. This year League School was one of only four Massachusetts private special education schools to to be selected.<<

Using the term "special ed" in the context it was used above is just plain ignorant.

Even the League School and those that give it awards refers to it as a Special Ed school.......

[Unregistered]

Even the League School and those that give it awards refers to it as a Special Ed school.......

Yes, but it was the context in which the term was used that was troubling - saying it was similar to having a prison in our town.

[Unregistered]

Yes, but it was the context in which the term was used that was troubling - saying it was similar to having a prison in our town.

The poster didn't say it was similar to a prison....where are those words? The poster was listing insitutions in town the do not contribute property taxes but do require that the town provide public safety services, if needed.

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/letters/x1609355595/Letter-Home-for-Little-Wanderers-practices-the-art-of-deception

i don't think that the director was "practicing the art of deception" in her letter. she does know that she has the right to expand, and in the face of organized neighbors of longview, she has realized they hate the place. so she is moving on without them!

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/letters/x1609355595/Letter-Home-for-Little-Wanderers-practices-the-art-of-deception

i don't think that the director was "practicing the art of deception" in her letter. she does know that she has the right to expand, and in the face of organized neighbors of longview, she has realized they hate the place. so she is moving on without them!

I thought the letter writer did a great job! I do not live in the area, and I think I am objective. The Home for Little Wanderers is a great organization that serves a much needed role for these children. The residents in that area are in my opinion, well with-in their rights to question and try to have some say in an expansion of the size and scope that is being attempted. The single greatest stake holders in the process, thise who stand to loose the most, are the residents in that area. I truly believe that what Longview is now doing is decidedly "un-neighborly". If they continue in this vein, I will definately not be responding for future appeals of donations to support their programs.

I feel it is VERY important for businesses and facilities such as Longview to be a true part of the community and work to incorporate themselves appropriately into their surroundings. Shame on Longview.

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/x992533671/Five-youths-arrested-after-fight-Monday-night-at-Home-for-Little-Wanderers

When people post comments on how wonderful the "Longview Farm" is i wonder if they would want their children in this place? Would they like to live near this place?

It is NOT what it once was and lives on its history, not its current function. It is now a detention facility using the Walpole police as its security force.

[Unregistered]

Another great week at LVF. A 15 student riot, 8 police cruisers and a nurse in the hospital due to being hit by a thrown chair. Another "student" maced by police and 5 arrests. Forget the expansion, this place needs to be shut down. It's a disgrace. How can any LVF representative claim that they can handle 80 students when the 40 they have now are largely out of control? They have become pathetic. Close it down.

[Unregistered]

The article about the brawl was quite frightening. To think that two towns were left without any officers because all were at Longview dealing with out-of-control persons is appalling. And Norwood was supposed to deal with any emergency in Walpole and Norfolk? Just unbelievable. The NE Home for Little Wanderers is a disgrace. They should at least have a security in team in place. I don't live anywhere near Lincoln Rd but the situation at Longview has made the whole town vulnerable.

[Unregistered]

What we need to do is get the entire town to band together on this, like we did to fight the sludge dump many years ago. Unfortunately, most in town could care less about LVF as they feel it only affects a small part of town. But the reality is it affects everyone in town. Our police department spends far too much time baby sitting this "school". We are paying for this daycare/detention facility on a daily basis. It needs to be stopped, NOW. Show your support.

[The Raven]

When I started this thread, I didn't have a feel for what was going on at Long View Farm. I do now.

I think we need some folks to research the backgrounds of some of these kids...at least this Xavier Niles-Charles who was arrested the other night.

How did he end up at LVF? What was the process that brought him there? Does he have a criminal record??

Constant police calls to LVF is making the LVF management look bad. If they have to rely on the Walpole Police Department for security, it is not only bad for the rest of us, but its bad for the kids that live there that don't participate in the mayhem.

In other words, a case could be made that the facility is unsafe for the residents. Correct? I think that is an angle to pursue with child protection agencies. How about it...?

The Raven...
http://www.biblelicious.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/raven0.jpg

[Unregistered]

When I started this thread, I didn't have a feel for what was going on at Long View Farm. I do now.

I think we need some folks to research the backgrounds of some of these kids...at least this Xavier Niles-Charles who was arrested the other night.

How did he end up at LVF? What was the process that brought him there? Does he have a criminal record??

Constant police calls to LVF is making the LVF management look bad. If they have to rely on the Walpole Police Department for security, it is not only bad for the rest of us, but its bad for the kids that live there that don't participate in the mayhem.

In other words, a case could be made that the facility is unsafe for the residents. Correct? I think that is an angle to pursue with child protection agencies. How about it...?

The Raven...

Nothing new...lots of people chime in and don't have a grasp of the subject matter but have plenty of opinion... until the truth eventually gets in the way

[Unregistered]

Very good point Raven. Maybe, there should be an internal investigation. Are young people there who should be in another facility? Is it the fault of management? A combination of both? Could it be a place free of these on-going problems?
Are there innocent young people there who are not part of the problem, but are suffering because of what is going on?
Probably the only way to get at the truth wouid be an under- cover investigation.
I hope that all is well on top of the old town hall.

[The Raven]

What we need to do is get the entire town to band together on this, like we did to fight the sludge dump many years ago. Unfortunately, most in town could care less about LVF as they feel it only affects a small part of town. But the reality is it affects everyone in town. Our police department spends far too much time baby sitting this "school". We are paying for this daycare/detention facility on a daily basis. It needs to be stopped, NOW. Show your support.

I would not pursue the "entire town to band together" approach. That will only come across as mean spirited. (Please leave the pitchforks at home, ok?). If there is one kid out of the whole LVF who are fearful of living there, then that is enough justification to really do something about this.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQ3BaBpphtQ/SYtCYWCzdRI/AAAAAAAAACI/c34PK4vTSFs/s400/RavenBlog.png

[Unregistered]

We need the whole town behind this effort to clean up LVF, not just the Lincoln Rd residents. Stop the expansion. LVF management proves on a daily basis that they have no control at the facility. Personally, I think it should be shut down completely. Enough is enough.

[Unregistered]

I worked in a very similar program for many years before opening a business. Behavior spikes in places like that. Kids get referred to a place like longview (i assume the process hasn't changed) but ht einfo programs get is often woefully inadequate. One really difficult kid can turn a program upside down, not matter what the staff do. Sometime it can take months for the kid to be taken out by the state. you should all know that places like longview can't just kick kids out. it is a long process. not being there, i can't say for certain that this is what is happening. i do know that the home for little wanderers knows what they are doing. they take super difficult kids, just like we did at walker. the average person wouldn't last long with these kids. they can be very scary, and it is really easy to beat up any residential program. they have the most difficult kids with the most diffficult problems, everyone wants them to be helped, they just don't want to deal with it. here's another point you should all know, every big incident gets investigated be the state, dcf and deec. i guarantee you that they've been at longview (and every other residential program in the state) consistently and know exactly what is going on there. our state is the best in the nation at keeping kids safe. if the state thought the place was dangerous it would be shut down. raven, reading all these comments, i haven't seen any folks who actually work there or know the kids. people are responding to skeletal info from the police, who are hardly unbiased, and pure vitriol from neighbors. i'm sure the home won't let their staff post here. if they did, i'm guessing you would get a very different picture. i know when things were really bad at the program i worked, i kept with it because i believed in what we were doing and knew the bad times would pass. i bet it's the same over there.

[Unregistered]

Perhaps when you or your children walk by the "school" now growing into more of a detention facility and are assaulted with stones you will think back on you comments.
Also just because kids have been at Longview for years who were orphans does not mean that the facility continues to operate with the same mission.
I have lived in Walpole for years, I went to school with kids from the farm. They did not assault the instructors like they do today. They did NOT cause trouble in the neighborhood.
I am truly tired of people making themselves feel better at the expense of others. If you do not deal with the problems of the facility stop telling others how they should be happy to see it grow. Walpole has enough of this kind of selfish behavior, selfish behavior disguised as caring- caring as long as the headaches go to other people.

I have never seen anything about this or any other incident involving Longview AND neighbors. Things that are being reported by officials have involved only staff and residents there. What I am saying is, I don't believe you. Do you have any proof, does anyone of something like this? I would like to see that very much. I think everyone would. Proof of this sort of thing would help us form INFORMED opinions.

[The Raven]

I worked in a very similar program for many years before opening a business. Behavior spikes in places like that. Kids get referred to a place like longview (i assume the process hasn't changed) but ht einfo programs get is often woefully inadequate. One really difficult kid can turn a program upside down, not matter what the staff do. Sometime it can take months for the kid to be taken out by the state. you should all know that places like longview can't just kick kids out. it is a long process. not being there, i can't say for certain that this is what is happening. i do know that the home for little wanderers knows what they are doing. they take super difficult kids, just like we did at walker. the average person wouldn't last long with these kids. they can be very scary, and it is really easy to beat up any residential program. they have the most difficult kids with the most diffficult problems, everyone wants them to be helped, they just don't want to deal with it. here's another point you should all know, every big incident gets investigated be the state, dcf and deec. i guarantee you that they've been at longview (and every other residential program in the state) consistently and know exactly what is going on there. our state is the best in the nation at keeping kids safe. if the state thought the place was dangerous it would be shut down. raven, reading all these comments, i haven't seen any folks who actually work there or know the kids. people are responding to skeletal info from the police, who are hardly unbiased, and pure vitriol from neighbors. i'm sure the home won't let their staff post here. if they did, i'm guessing you would get a very different picture. i know when things were really bad at the program i worked, i kept with it because i believed in what we were doing and knew the bad times would pass. i bet it's the same over there.

Thanks for a report from the trenches. Maybe you can tell us more about the details of taking care of these type of kids....and a few success stories from your experience at Walker (don't know where you mean...) would help balance out the rhetoric.

Walpole does have a bunch of ready-to-rock pitchforkers....if they come out of the woodwork on this issue it will bring the old town in front of the main-stream media again.

I just hope they stay home and "bale hay".

http://thevagabondset.com/blog/wp-content/crow-vs-raven.gif

by the way, though I use the moniker "raven", I really am a crow. A Walpole crow. A road-kill eating Walpole crow. Sometimes people feed me bread. Thanks, but I prefer meat. (leftovers are ok).

[Unregistered]

Thanks for a report from the trenches. Maybe you can tell us more about the details of taking care of these type of kids....and a few success stories from your experience at Walker (don't know where you mean...) would help balance out the rhetoric.

Walpole does have a bunch of ready-to-rock pitchforkers....if they come out of the woodwork on this issue it will bring the old town in front of the main-stream media again.

I just hope they stay home and "bale hay".



by the way, though I use the moniker "raven", I really am a crow. A Walpole crow. A road-kill eating Walpole crow. Sometimes people feed me bread. Thanks, but I prefer meat. (leftovers are ok).

It is posts like this that are going to invite the main stream media. You may be eating crow.

[Unregistered]

I would not pursue the "entire town to band together" approach. That will only come across as mean spirited. (Please leave the pitchforks at home, ok?). If there is one kid out of the whole LVF who are fearful of living there, then that is enough justification to really do something about this.



I really don't care if comes across as mean spirited. My problem is with administration, not the kids. The facility is out of control. Doubling it's size would be idiotic.

[Unregistered]

I worked in a very similar program for many years before opening a business. Behavior spikes in places like that. Kids get referred to a place like longview (i assume the process hasn't changed) but ht einfo programs get is often woefully inadequate. One really difficult kid can turn a program upside down, not matter what the staff do. Sometime it can take months for the kid to be taken out by the state. you should all know that places like longview can't just kick kids out. it is a long process. not being there, i can't say for certain that this is what is happening. i do know that the home for little wanderers knows what they are doing. they take super difficult kids, just like we did at walker. the average person wouldn't last long with these kids. they can be very scary, and it is really easy to beat up any residential program. they have the most difficult kids with the most diffficult problems, everyone wants them to be helped, they just don't want to deal with it. here's another point you should all know, every big incident gets investigated be the state, dcf and deec. i guarantee you that they've been at longview (and every other residential program in the state) consistently and know exactly what is going on there. our state is the best in the nation at keeping kids safe. if the state thought the place was dangerous it would be shut down. raven, reading all these comments, i haven't seen any folks who actually work there or know the kids. people are responding to skeletal info from the police, who are hardly unbiased, and pure vitriol from neighbors. i'm sure the home won't let their staff post here. if they did, i'm guessing you would get a very different picture. i know when things were really bad at the program i worked, i kept with it because i believed in what we were doing and knew the bad times would pass. i bet it's the same over there.

And you don't think that the police being called there on a daily basis is cause for concern? And that the state would shut the facility down if they thought it was dangerous? You can't possibly believe that this would happen. I would hardly call the state reliable or pro active.

I believe what I read in the Walpole Times police log on a weekly basis. Fact, LVF is a problem. Take off the rose colored glasses and pay attention to what has been going on here for the past few years. This facility is a detriment to the neighborhood and the town. There are no positives. How can anyone believe that the expansion won't cause more problems when they can't control the current population? Because someone in LVF management stands up at the selectmen's meeting and promises it won't happen? Fix your current problems before you even think of doubling the population. And take note that the safety of the kids has never been mentioned once by anyone from the Home for Little Wanderers organization. They downplay the daily calls for police help. It's time for the town to open it's eyes to what really goes on there. And our Police Dept. knows it quite well. Ask the officer who had to mace a 16 year old kid.

[Unregistered]

I worked there many years ago. The staff there can never speak publicly about the residents because of confidentiality...it would be unethical and possibly illegal. The teens who attend LVF are extremely troubled and many have been abused. If they live there, it is because they are in the custody of the commonwealth, either removed from their homes or have been abondoned.
When I worked there the classes were very small and there were "counselors" there whose job was to phyically removed students from the classrooms if they did not follow the rules set by the teacher. Oftentimes, the staff had to restrain the student. I liked working therre but the pay was low andI left for a teaching job in the public schools. I initially took the job because it was one of the few positions available at the time. There is a high turnover rate of employees. The director at the time was the same one who was there a very long time and was a respected resident of Walpole. When I was a student in Walpole schools, LVF had high school boys and they really ran a farm. There is a lot to be said for physical work to help sort out stress. ( Too bad the educational elitist who lead public education today think vocational skills are not valuable.) some of the boys went to Walpole High with us and I don't recall them acting up, but who knows.
The school is vastly different from those days in the 60s and 70s.. I don't think the school is capable of adequately dealing with additional clients especially when one considers the low pay and high turnover of employees. I am also alramed by the proposed addition of younger children of both genders. I think it will greatly increase the risk of sexual assaults. Remember, these kids are troubled and some of been severely abused....some act out what happened to them.
LVF should not be expanded. It will cause an increase in the need for public safety and a drain on our town resources. Additionally, it will greatly impact the residential neighborhood, the teens are roaming the area much more than they have in the past without a staff member, Lincoln Rd cannot accomodate the increase in commercial vehicles. I think the organization ought to look for alternative sites for a facility.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for a report from the trenches. Maybe you can tell us more about the details of taking care of these type of kids....and a few success stories from your experience at Walker (don't know where you mean...) would help balance out the rhetoric.

Walpole does have a bunch of ready-to-rock pitchforkers....if they come out of the woodwork on this issue it will bring the old town in front of the main-stream media again.

I just hope they stay home and "bale hay".



by the way, though I use the moniker "raven", I really am a crow. A Walpole crow. A road-kill eating Walpole crow. Sometimes people feed me bread. Thanks, but I prefer meat. (leftovers are ok).

It seems to me that you are the mean spirited one instead of the posters that you accuse of being mean spirited. Stop with the name calling already, will ya? Or come off your high perch and make your nest next to the farm.

[Unregistered]

I would not pursue the "entire town to band together" approach. That will only come across as mean spirited. (Please leave the pitchforks at home, ok?). If there is one kid out of the whole LVF who are fearful of living there, then that is enough justification to really do something about this.



I don't get you. The town shouldn't appear to band together because it will be perceived by outsiders as mean spirited? The town shouldn't act in it's best interest for fear of what others think?

Removing the emotional think-of-the-kids point of view, what we have here is an organization that has changed it's mandate from it's original inception and it appears to be willing to run roughshod over the neighborhood and the town for it's own purposes. Are those purposes in the best interest of the town?Absolutely not.

The only reason for an expansion is to handle more troubled children and a play for more state funds. Again, the neighborhood and town be damned.

There are only so many times that you can turn the other cheek, and Walpole's cheeks are red raw at this point. LVF should get it's house in order before any kind of expansion is ever considered. But that would be the right thing to do, so hope is lost.

[Unregistered]

We need the whole town behind this effort to clean up LVF, not just the Lincoln Rd residents. Stop the expansion. LVF management proves on a daily basis that they have no control at the facility. Personally, I think it should be shut down completely. Enough is enough.

We have had many problems in Walole over the past 10 to 15 years. LVF is just the most recent. Residents are worn down. We have fought not just a sludge facility, but a trash transfer station, a million gallon propane tank farm, and a power plant. Residents banding together has been happening for years. I hope, who ever you are, that if you were not part of the "band" that fought off all of these facilities, that you will stay involved and be a part of that band going forward.

And I leabe you with one thought. The police chief, the Planning Board, The Board of Selectman, and the legislators have all stood and supported the residents of Lincoln Road. NONE of these groups stood with or spoke on behalf of residents when it came to any of the proposals noted above. The only politicians who supported residents were Senator Timilty and Rep Ross. This is why Timilty won hands down in Walpole, and every other town. He knows who he works for. The people. His agenda is the people, not himself and his cronies.

I will stand with you, but be certain you stand when the next bad zoning idea hits Walpole. How long will that be???

[Unregistered]

I don't get you. The town shouldn't appear to band together because it will be perceived by outsiders as mean spirited? The town shouldn't act in it's best interest for fear of what others think?

Removing the emotional think-of-the-kids point of view, what we have here is an organization that has changed it's mandate from it's original inception and it appears to be willing to run roughshod over the neighborhood and the town for it's own purposes. Are those purposes in the best interest of the town?Absolutely not.

The only reason for an expansion is to handle more troubled children and a play for more state funds. Again, the neighborhood and town be damned.

There are only so many times that you can turn the other cheek, and Walpole's cheeks are red raw at this point. LVF should get it's house in order before any kind of expansion is ever considered. But that would be the right thing to do, so hope is lost.

Longview Farm is much more of a Lincoln Road issue than a town issue. There is a risk if the Police Calls continue at the level they are, but when it comes to the value of a home in town, Longview will not be an issue for most.

[Unregistered]

Longview Farm is much more of a Lincoln Road issue than a town issue. There is a risk if the Police Calls continue at the level they are, but when it comes to the value of a home in town, Longview will not be an issue for most.

Frankly your lack of understanding amazes me, but no more than other people who think you can hurt one part of town for money or whatever but your area will remain untouched.
How in this age of information can you not understand that when you google Walpole and things like power plants and children detention centers come up it wont make people think?
Would you want to live in Brockton? Brockton has some beautiful neighborhoods, homes that would be worth millions in other towns. But they are hurt becuase the city name is tarnished. A negative anywhere in the community will hurt the entire community.

Sadly Walpole has to many people who think they can sell out their town without hurting themselves, you are wrong.

[Unregistered]

Longview Farm is much more of a Lincoln Road issue than a town issue. There is a risk if the Police Calls continue at the level they are, but when it comes to the value of a home in town, Longview will not be an issue for most.

So s long as it isn't in your back yard, it's ok? it won't affect your home so you don't care. Great attitude.

[Unregistered]

I worked there many years ago. The staff there can never speak publicly about the residents because of confidentiality...it would be unethical and possibly illegal. The teens who attend LVF are extremely troubled and many have been abused. If they live there, it is because they are in the custody of the commonwealth, either removed from their homes or have been abondoned.
When I worked there the classes were very small and there were "counselors" there whose job was to phyically removed students from the classrooms if they did not follow the rules set by the teacher. Oftentimes, the staff had to restrain the student. I liked working therre but the pay was low andI left for a teaching job in the public schools. I initially took the job because it was one of the few positions available at the time. There is a high turnover rate of employees. The director at the time was the same one who was there a very long time and was a respected resident of Walpole. When I was a student in Walpole schools, LVF had high school boys and they really ran a farm. There is a lot to be said for physical work to help sort out stress. ( Too bad the educational elitist who lead public education today think vocational skills are not valuable.) some of the boys went to Walpole High with us and I don't recall them acting up, but who knows.
The school is vastly different from those days in the 60s and 70s.. I don't think the school is capable of adequately dealing with additional clients especially when one considers the low pay and high turnover of employees. I am also alramed by the proposed addition of younger children of both genders. I think it will greatly increase the risk of sexual assaults. Remember, these kids are troubled and some of been severely abused....some act out what happened to them.
LVF should not be expanded. It will cause an increase in the need for public safety and a drain on our town resources. Additionally, it will greatly impact the residential neighborhood, the teens are roaming the area much more than they have in the past without a staff member, Lincoln Rd cannot accomodate the increase in commercial vehicles. I think the organization ought to look for alternative sites for a facility.

Excellent post.

[Unregistered]

We have had many problems in Walole over the past 10 to 15 years. LVF is just the most recent. Residents are worn down. We have fought not just a sludge facility, but a trash transfer station, a million gallon propane tank farm, and a power plant. Residents banding together has been happening for years. I hope, who ever you are, that if you were not part of the "band" that fought off all of these facilities, that you will stay involved and be a part of that band going forward.

And I leabe you with one thought. The police chief, the Planning Board, The Board of Selectman, and the legislators have all stood and supported the residents of Lincoln Road. NONE of these groups stood with or spoke on behalf of residents when it came to any of the proposals noted above. The only politicians who supported residents were Senator Timilty and Rep Ross. This is why Timilty won hands down in Walpole, and every other town. He knows who he works for. The people. His agenda is the people, not himself and his cronies.

I will stand with you, but be certain you stand when the next bad zoning idea hits Walpole. How long will that be???

I too was against the sludge dump, power plant, etc. and did what I could to help out. I agree that Senator Timilty has supported us well. And now Rich Ross is also a state Senator, and I think he will serve well too. And I agree, it probably won't be long before the next bad zoning issue hits Walpole. We sure have had our share of them.

[Unregistered]

Longview Farm is much more of a Lincoln Road issue than a town issue. There is a risk if the Police Calls continue at the level they are, but when it comes to the value of a home in town, Longview will not be an issue for most.

So just to follow this logic.....the propane tanks proposal of a few years ago really shouldn't have been a town issue, just an issue for the abutters, the sludge issue wasn't really a town issue but just an issue for the neighbors, etc. So if there is an issue that impacts your neighborhood, the rest of us won't pay much mind...REALLY?
This is a town, we work together for the common good, we all pay taxes to support the entire town, not just our neighborhoods. I live in West Walpole, but I know my taxes help support the fire department when it puts out fires in East Walpole, just one example for you.
LVF is an issue for the entire town. It is a major public safety issue when our police department is there as a security force for an istiutuion that cannot control its population. Maybe when you need the police and they can't get to your house as quickly as they'd like because of another incident at LVF, you might think differently of your above mentioned comments.
Lincoln Rd. neighbor, resident of Walpole

[Unregistered]

Thanks for a report from the trenches. Maybe you can tell us more about the details of taking care of these type of kids....and a few success stories from your experience at Walker (don't know where you mean...) would help balance out the rhetoric.

Walpole does have a bunch of ready-to-rock pitchforkers....if they come out of the woodwork on this issue it will bring the old town in front of the main-stream media again.

I just hope they stay home and "bale hay".



by the way, though I use the moniker "raven", I really am a crow. A Walpole crow. A road-kill eating Walpole crow. Sometimes people feed me bread. Thanks, but I prefer meat. (leftovers are ok).


I think the appropriate request would have been to "make hay"....No?? :)

[Unregistered]

...as i said earlier. rose colored glasses don't play into my argument. i'm not at longview and can only guess about what is happening there, but that is my point, no one coming out against the place is actually there. the police get to see only the worst of programs, they don't come by for bbq's or basketball, they come when a kid is "out-of -control". i want all of you to understand that phrase and the statewide movement in dcf, dmh and in provider agencies (like the home for little wanderers) to stop restraining kids physically. someone posted earlier about kids being physically escorted out of classrooms which often leads to restraint. restraint of a child is a terribly traumatizing intervention, the research supports this. it hurts troubled children even more. all programs are moving as far away from this practice as they can. if you were to talk to administrators at the walker school, or brandon, or deveraux or any other program like longview, i'd bet you'd find the exact same trend occurring. the explanation is simple: staff members don't want to traumatize kids, so they don't put hands on a child until danger is imminent. this leads to kids having the ability to make choices (as we all did growing up). these choices aren't always good and, especially with this population, can lead to police involvement. the irony of all this is that longview and other programs' choice to protect children, has led to fall-out over their behavior.

think of it this way, do you preemptively arrest all drunk people spilling out of a bar to prevent the one car crash? no we don't. then we shouldn't be tackling kids every time we think they are about to make a mistake. yes, you will have more mistakes, and thus more police calls, but you have far less restraints and far less kids being hurt by staff who are there to help them.

someone else posted that the incidents at longview hadn't involved the neighbors, at least in terms of crimes, is that true? also, keep in mind there are dozens of like programs across the state, and each is dealing with this issue. lastly, these kids have had lives you don't want to imagine, read about, or even admit. please keep that in mind before "running them out of town". at the end of the day, these are kids in great need. i can tell you, again being clear that i haven't personally visited or worked there, that longview has a great reputation out there. i'm not saying they don't have problems there now, i just think some folks are simplifying the issue far to much to be considered rational.

[Unregistered]

...as i said earlier. rose colored glasses don't play into my argument. i'm not at longview and can only guess about what is happening there, but that is my point, no one coming out against the place is actually there. the police get to see only the worst of programs, they don't come by for bbq's or basketball, they come when a kid is "out-of -control". i want all of you to understand that phrase and the statewide movement in dcf, dmh and in provider agencies (like the home for little wanderers) to stop restraining kids physically. someone posted earlier about kids being physically escorted out of classrooms which often leads to restraint. restraint of a child is a terribly traumatizing intervention, the research supports this. it hurts troubled children even more. all programs are moving as far away from this practice as they can. if you were to talk to administrators at the walker school, or brandon, or deveraux or any other program like longview, i'd bet you'd find the exact same trend occurring. the explanation is simple: staff members don't want to traumatize kids, so they don't put hands on a child until danger is imminent. this leads to kids having the ability to make choices (as we all did growing up). these choices aren't always good and, especially with this population, can lead to police involvement. the irony of all this is that longview and other programs' choice to protect children, has led to fall-out over their behavior.

think of it this way, do you preemptively arrest all drunk people spilling out of a bar to prevent the one car crash? no we don't. then we shouldn't be tackling kids every time we think they are about to make a mistake. yes, you will have more mistakes, and thus more police calls, but you have far less restraints and far less kids being hurt by staff who are there to help them.

someone else posted that the incidents at longview hadn't involved the neighbors, at least in terms of crimes, is that true? also, keep in mind there are dozens of like programs across the state, and each is dealing with this issue. lastly, these kids have had lives you don't want to imagine, read about, or even admit. please keep that in mind before "running them out of town". at the end of the day, these are kids in great need. i can tell you, again being clear that i haven't personally visited or worked there, that longview has a great reputation out there. i'm not saying they don't have problems there now, i just think some folks are simplifying the issue far to much to be considered rational.

No one is suggesting that LVF be run out of town. We don't want it expande: the buildings, the traffic, the number of clients, the extra need for police intervention. Just leave it as is, find aother option for the other kids. Why is it that if one disagrees with what another wants to do, some automatically think we want the whole thing gone? Calm down.

And...so it would seem by the previous post that these youngsters freedom of choice take precedence over public safety and neighbors peace of mind. If a child wanted to run into traffic, do we let them make the choice or do we stop them? And the facility wants to add more of these youngsters to the facility when its clear there will be more problems....your post only alarms me more, not cause me to sympathize with their expansion plans....didn't win me over.

[Unregistered]

...as i said earlier. rose colored glasses don't play into my argument. i'm not at longview and can only guess about what is happening there, but that is my point, no one coming out against the place is actually there. the police get to see only the worst of programs, they don't come by for bbq's or basketball, they come when a kid is "out-of -control". i want all of you to understand that phrase and the statewide movement in dcf, dmh and in provider agencies (like the home for little wanderers) to stop restraining kids physically. someone posted earlier about kids being physically escorted out of classrooms which often leads to restraint. restraint of a child is a terribly traumatizing intervention, the research supports this. it hurts troubled children even more. all programs are moving as far away from this practice as they can. if you were to talk to administrators at the walker school, or brandon, or deveraux or any other program like longview, i'd bet you'd find the exact same trend occurring. the explanation is simple: staff members don't want to traumatize kids, so they don't put hands on a child until danger is imminent. this leads to kids having the ability to make choices (as we all did growing up). these choices aren't always good and, especially with this population, can lead to police involvement. the irony of all this is that longview and other programs' choice to protect children, has led to fall-out over their behavior.

think of it this way, do you preemptively arrest all drunk people spilling out of a bar to prevent the one car crash? no we don't. then we shouldn't be tackling kids every time we think they are about to make a mistake. yes, you will have more mistakes, and thus more police calls, but you have far less restraints and far less kids being hurt by staff who are there to help them.

someone else posted that the incidents at longview hadn't involved the neighbors, at least in terms of crimes, is that true? also, keep in mind there are dozens of like programs across the state, and each is dealing with this issue. lastly, these kids have had lives you don't want to imagine, read about, or even admit. please keep that in mind before "running them out of town". at the end of the day, these are kids in great need. i can tell you, again being clear that i haven't personally visited or worked there, that longview has a great reputation out there. i'm not saying they don't have problems there now, i just think some folks are simplifying the issue far to much to be considered rational.

What is your argument? That the police going there 5 times a week is a non issue? Counselors being assaulted and threatened on a weekly basis isn't a problem? Of course it's not an issue for you because you don't live in the area. Isn't it funny that all of the cheerleaders live in another part of town and not one neighbor or town official has spoken in favor of the expansion? The facility is out of control and is getting worse. Fact. Is that too simple? Why would anyone want to double the number of students there? Do you really think that is a good idea? There is absolutely nothing that shows the HFLW administration can take care of the current problems, let alone 40 more kids. Be realistic and take a good hard look at what is going on there. Longview HAD a great reputation in the past, but it has been in a downward spiral for the past 3 years.

And none of this even addresses what it will do to change the character of a rural neighborhood.

[Unregistered]

RAVEN, your reaction to these statements. Anything to say about this????

“I no longer have any respect for Longview Farm or the New England Home for Little Wanderers,” said abutter Gene Gilmore, upset that neighbors were not invited to last Thursday’s safety meeting and with the recent spike in crime at the facility.

He said he’s lived on Lincoln Road for more than 40 years and has been in admiration of the work the school does and has even volunteered and donated to programs, but everything changed during the expansion proposal.

“Compassion only goes so far,” said Gilmore. “Compassion shouldn’t be an invitation that says, ‘hey, danger, come on into our neighborhood.’ I’ve lost my compassion. We’re decent people but we’ve had it.”

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/highlight/x390010424/New-safety-measures-will-be-implemented-at-Home-for-Little-Wanderers

[The Raven]

It sounds like Mr. Gilmore has "had it". I know what its like to get in front of a group of people and discuss an issue that is has a lot of emotion to it. That kind of speech is totally draining...he deserves a lot of credit for making it.


I think that if the place can't be safe for its residents and employees, then it obviously can't be safe for the neighbors nearby.

The comments by the director (?) that there would be a police liason and the possibility of hiring a security company are encouraging. I think they should hire a security company immediately.

The only problem with that is if things go haywire, don;t you think the security guard is going to call the cops??

I'm hoping for the best. Sounds like they admit they were taking in some real bad apples. I feel very sorry for the reasonably innocent kids that had to put up with this.


Walpole needs guys like Mr. Gilmore to be involved in the compassionate aspects of being a neighbor to Longview. I hope Mr. Gilmore has a change of heart and gets involved again. I really do!



RAVEN, your reaction to these statements. Anything to say about this????

“I no longer have any respect for Longview Farm or the New England Home for Little Wanderers,” said abutter Gene Gilmore, upset that neighbors were not invited to last Thursday’s safety meeting and with the recent spike in crime at the facility.

He said he’s lived on Lincoln Road for more than 40 years and has been in admiration of the work the school does and has even volunteered and donated to programs, but everything changed during the expansion proposal.

“Compassion only goes so far,” said Gilmore. “Compassion shouldn’t be an invitation that says, ‘hey, danger, come on into our neighborhood.’ I’ve lost my compassion. We’re decent people but we’ve had it.”

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/highlight/x390010424/New-safety-measures-will-be-implemented-at-Home-for-Little-Wanderers

[Unregistered]

It sounds like Mr. Gilmore has "had it". I know what its like to get in front of a group of people and discuss an issue that is has a lot of emotion to it. That kind of speech is totally draining...he deserves a lot of credit for making it.


I think that if the place can't be safe for its residents and employees, then it obviously can't be safe for the neighbors nearby.

The comments by the director (?) that there would be a police liason and the possibility of hiring a security company are encouraging. I think they should hire a security company immediately.

The only problem with that is if things go haywire, don;t you think the security guard is going to call the cops??

I'm hoping for the best. Sounds like they admit they were taking in some real bad apples. I feel very sorry for the reasonably innocent kids that had to put up with this.


Walpole needs guys like Mr. Gilmore to be involved in the compassionate aspects of being a neighbor to Longview. I hope Mr. Gilmore has a change of heart and gets involved again. I really do!

So funny, If someone else had made those comments you would have called them meanspirited. You are starting to show your true colors and bias.

[The Raven]

So funny, If someone else had made those comments you would have called them meanspirited. You are starting to show your true colors and bias.

I still stand by the anti-pitchfork mentality.
I think Longview Farm is going to get over this and its going to expand. I support its expansion.

sorry to disappoint you!

TR

[Unregistered]

I still stand by the anti-pitchfork mentality.
I think Longview Farm is going to get over this and its going to expand. I support its expansion.

sorry to disappoint you!

TR

You're funny. But not in a good way.

The "anti-pitchfork mentality" comment is a demonizing statement. What you are against is any dissenting opinion having to do with LVF. YOU support it's expansion, but the neighbors don't. YOU don't have to listen to the sirens of the emergency response vehicles. YOU have a romantic, old-timey, vision of what LVF is and what they do, but the neighbors have to deal with reality.

Walpole citizens who are against the LVF expansion are "pitchforkers" to you. Guess what? They're regular folks who are tired of getting the wrong end of the stick. Nicknames are not required.

[rin_tintin]

You're funny. But not in a good way.

The "anti-pitchfork mentality" comment is a demonizing statement. What you are against is any dissenting opinion having to do with LVF. YOU support it's expansion, but the neighbors don't. YOU don't have to listen to the sirens of the emergency response vehicles. YOU have a romantic, old-timey, vision of what LVF is and what they do, but the neighbors have to deal with reality.

Walpole citizens who are against the LVF expansion are "pitchforkers" to you. Guess what? They're regular folks who are tired of getting the wrong end of the stick. Nicknames are not required.

Police and EMTs don't apporach Longview with sirens. Only the Fire Department does. People know sirens are traumatizing to kids and neighbors. The only ways folks know when something happens at Longview is when they are literally outside when a vehicle approaches or if they read about it in the police blotter. If only people that actually knew what was happening at the Farm posted here then there would be about three people leaving messages.

Based on your comments I would assume that none of you have spent a single day there. Don't act like you know what is happening there. You don't. I used to work for the Home and the assumptions and false characterization of that place on these boards is sickening. I wish everyone here could spend a day there and see how amazing the staff are and how inspiring the kids are. If you only knew half of what many of their life experiences have been like prior to arriving at the Farm then you might be able to view IN REALITY what the outbursts and acting out looks like. Every last one of you would change your opinion, at least in part. Raven is right about the pitchfork thing. This is a mob mentality in action.

When has a Longview kid committed ANY CRIME against any neighbor along lincoln road? Can we get a list of actual criminal offenses? I haven't seen a single one mentioned anywhere. Stop assuming that just because these kids are "troubled" that they are going to attack you.

A number of businesses in town have had Longview lads working there on a regular basis for years, I am sure they still do. Hundreds of parents have had kids through there, and I don't see complaints about their experiences. I also happen to know that nearly 100% of the kids at LVF passed the 10th grade MCAS.

If you don't want them there, fine. Just don't act like you know a thing about the place. You don't. And please stop demonizing the kids and the program.

[Unregistered]

Police and EMTs don't apporach Longview with sirens. Only the Fire Department does. People know sirens are traumatizing to kids and neighbors. The only ways folks know when something happens at Longview is when they are literally outside when a vehicle approaches or if they read about it in the police blotter. If only people that actually knew what was happening at the Farm posted here then there would be about three people leaving messages.

Based on your comments I would assume that none of you have spent a single day there. Don't act like you know what is happening there. You don't. I used to work for the Home and the assumptions and false characterization of that place on these boards is sickening. I wish everyone here could spend a day there and see how amazing the staff are and how inspiring the kids are. If you only knew half of what many of their life experiences have been like prior to arriving at the Farm then you might be able to view IN REALITY what the outbursts and acting out looks like. Every last one of you would change your opinion, at least in part. Raven is right about the pitchfork thing. This is a mob mentality in action.

When has a Longview kid committed ANY CRIME against any neighbor along lincoln road? Can we get a list of actual criminal offenses? I haven't seen a single one mentioned anywhere. Stop assuming that just because these kids are "troubled" that they are going to attack you.

A number of businesses in town have had Longview lads working there on a regular basis for years, I am sure they still do. Hundreds of parents have had kids through there, and I don't see complaints about their experiences. I also happen to know that nearly 100% of the kids at LVF passed the 10th grade MCAS.

If you don't want them there, fine. Just don't act like you know a thing about the place. You don't. And please stop demonizing the kids and the program.

I didn't hear Mr. Gilmore say that a specific crime had been committed against him, or any neighbor.

It is my opinion that the hanging out of the kids in the front parking area has made them uncomfortable because most of those kids are black. The one instance involving neighbors that I have read is that some kid knocked on the door of a house and asked to use the telephone.

The pitchfork mentality of many groups here in town is to try and make anyone who doesn't go along with their view points either anti-police, anti-environment, anti-health, etc. They attempt to make openminded people look as if they don't know what they are talking about, or don't care about our town. Phooey, I say!

[Unregistered]

Police and EMTs don't apporach Longview with sirens. Only the Fire Department does. People know sirens are traumatizing to kids and neighbors. The only ways folks know when something happens at Longview is when they are literally outside when a vehicle approaches or if they read about it in the police blotter. If only people that actually knew what was happening at the Farm posted here then there would be about three people leaving messages.

Based on your comments I would assume that none of you have spent a single day there. Don't act like you know what is happening there. You don't. I used to work for the Home and the assumptions and false characterization of that place on these boards is sickening. I wish everyone here could spend a day there and see how amazing the staff are and how inspiring the kids are. If you only knew half of what many of their life experiences have been like prior to arriving at the Farm then you might be able to view IN REALITY what the outbursts and acting out looks like. Every last one of you would change your opinion, at least in part. Raven is right about the pitchfork thing. This is a mob mentality in action.

When has a Longview kid committed ANY CRIME against any neighbor along lincoln road? Can we get a list of actual criminal offenses? I haven't seen a single one mentioned anywhere. Stop assuming that just because these kids are "troubled" that they are going to attack you.

A number of businesses in town have had Longview lads working there on a regular basis for years, I am sure they still do. Hundreds of parents have had kids through there, and I don't see complaints about their experiences. I also happen to know that nearly 100% of the kids at LVF passed the 10th grade MCAS.

If you don't want them there, fine. Just don't act like you know a thing about the place. You don't. And please stop demonizing the kids and the program.

Here's a brief list from discussions with neighbors:

-Trespassing by kids sneaking away to smoke/etc on neighbors' property
-Breaking and entering one neighbor's house (just one known incident)
-Threats of physical harm to neighbors and neighbors' pets
-Theft of mail from neighbors' mailboxes

I wouldn't count this list as complete and, while the trespassing and mail theft are somewhat ongoing, I'm not sure about the time frame surrounding the B&E and threats.

[rin_tintin]

Here's a brief list from discussions with neighbors:

-Trespassing by kids sneaking away to smoke/etc on neighbors' property
-Breaking and entering one neighbor's house (just one known incident)
-Threats of physical harm to neighbors and neighbors' pets
-Theft of mail from neighbors' mailboxes

I wouldn't count this list as complete and, while the trespassing and mail theft are somewhat ongoing, I'm not sure about the time frame surrounding the B&E and threats.

Are you kidding? Threats and a case of breaking and entering? When did this happen and how exactly did it miss the police blotter? I can’t imagine that anyone would really let their house be broken into without informing the police. And yet, I don’t recall ever seeing any report in the Walpole Times about any such incident. Sneaking off to smoke in the neighbors’ yard is something that tons of foolish kids do. I am sure that many of your own children have done the same thing. Have any of you ever called the police on them? Come on people, if you really thought these incidences were criminal at the time why didn’t contact the police?

[Unregistered]

Are you kidding? Threats and a case of breaking and entering? When did this happen and how exactly did it miss the police blotter? I can’t imagine that anyone would really let their house be broken into without informing the police. And yet, I don’t recall ever seeing any report in the Walpole Times about any such incident. Sneaking off to smoke in the neighbors’ yard is something that tons of foolish kids do. I am sure that many of your own children have done the same thing. Have any of you ever called the police on them? Come on people, if you really thought these incidences were criminal at the time why didn’t contact the police?

Must be that pitchfork mentality again. It is pretty widespread.

[The Raven]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/letters/x145179917/Letter-Longview-Farm-students-do-a-lot-of-good-for-the-community

Ginny Griffin, thanks for the nice letter in the Times.

You bring out the good things in Walpole going way back.

I am proud to claim you, Ginny, as a friend and fellow townie.

10 thumbs up (if I had even one thumb..how about 8 claws??)

I left out someone else: Rick Stillman...who I also consider a friend and fellow townie. He did his job by allowing our town to know how things are at LVF, and letting us (and the LVF admin) know whats going on. Walpole can't be the private security force for Longview Farm. It must have been hard for him to do all of that.

10 thumbs up for Rick Stillman and the Walpole PD (The Worlds Finest....)!


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_69eUcYOc_QI/SXH40UYBesI/AAAAAAAAHc4/NQCZEQZWY5g/s400/raven.jpg

(The "Old Walpole Crow..")

[Unregistered]

Are you kidding? Threats and a case of breaking and entering? When did this happen and how exactly did it miss the police blotter? I can’t imagine that anyone would really let their house be broken into without informing the police. And yet, I don’t recall ever seeing any report in the Walpole Times about any such incident. Sneaking off to smoke in the neighbors’ yard is something that tons of foolish kids do. I am sure that many of your own children have done the same thing. Have any of you ever called the police on them? Come on people, if you really thought these incidences were criminal at the time why didn’t contact the police?

No every incident reported to the police ends up in the Walpole Times police log. I know that a lot is edited out before its made public.
If some random kid started entering my property to smoke I would not be happy and not want to put up with it. Since you don't think it's a big deal, why don't you give us your address and we will make sure our teens go to your property whenever they need a smoke.

[Unregistered]

Here's a brief list from discussions with neighbors:

-Trespassing by kids sneaking away to smoke/etc on neighbors' property
-Breaking and entering one neighbor's house (just one known incident)
-Threats of physical harm to neighbors and neighbors' pets
-Theft of mail from neighbors' mailboxes

I wouldn't count this list as complete and, while the trespassing and mail theft are somewhat ongoing, I'm not sure about the time frame surrounding the B&E and threats.



At least there is a list now. I trying to connect this list with the vitriol on this forum. I'm not saying this list amounts to nothing, but I do have a couple questions. As the previous poster pointed out, why was the B and E not reported? I really do check the police log religiously and haven't seen that particular entry. Secondly, were longview kids seen taking mail? Or was this an assumption? I just remember the time a neighborhood car was taken and longview was blamed, and it turned out to be a neighbor hood kid!

Lastly, this list is honestly not too scary to me, considering how the population has been described here.

[Unregistered]

At least there is a list now. I trying to connect this list with the vitriol on this forum. I'm not saying this list amounts to nothing, but I do have a couple questions. As the previous poster pointed out, why was the B and E not reported? I really do check the police log religiously and haven't seen that particular entry. Secondly, were longview kids seen taking mail? Or was this an assumption? I just remember the time a neighborhood car was taken and longview was blamed, and it turned out to be a neighbor hood kid!

Lastly, this list is honestly not too scary to me, considering how the population has been described here.

I believe the B&E was reported, but I'm not sure when it happened. Stolen mail was found under one of the kids' beds at least twice, they've been blamed for other mail theft because of that. I heard about the threats from one of the neighbors at one of the meetings for the expansion, but I'm quite sure I saw something in the police log about them as well. Trespassing generally isn't reported because there's not really anything the police can do to stop it short of keeping a unit on watch in the area.

I want to be clear, nobody is getting murdered in their sleep, and these kids aren't all violent sociopaths, but the neighbors of LVF should not have to live in a community where large numbers of uncontrolled youths are allowed to roam around committing crimes. I'd also like to emphasize that the problem is not the kids. The problem that this list shows is that LVF is not able to control their residents at their current levels. If their population is doubled these problems would likely increase exponentially. If young girls are added a whole host of new problems might arise. In JP they may have had the city infrastructure and a more confined campus to help them, but this doesn't exist in Walpole and doesn't exist in the plan they have proposed.

[Unregistered]

I still stand by the anti-pitchfork mentality.
I think Longview Farm is going to get over this and its going to expand. I support its expansion.

sorry to disappoint you!

TR

I support it's expansion, in your neighborhood. It's great to be for a negative project as long as it doesn't affect you, isn't it?

[Unregistered]

I support it's expansion, in your neighborhood. It's great to be for a negative project as long as it doesn't affect you, isn't it?

Isn't it the way? Support a project in SOMEONE else's backyard. Here's another meaning for NIMBY. Next It Might Be You. Will it be fight or flight for the Raven? I know the neighbors of Longview might be a little too busy to preserve an endangered habit or nesting ground.

[Unregistered]

I support it's expansion, in your neighborhood. It's great to be for a negative project as long as it doesn't affect you, isn't it?

It's the Townie way! Bottoms up Raven....

[Unregistered]

When reading the police log in the Times, keep in mind that the calls logged as "responded to Lincoln Rd address for out of control youth;" etc are also LVF. They own house at the intersection of Lincoln Rd and Plain St and there are problems there on a regular basis too.

[Unregistered]

I was driving through Norfolk and Wrentham over by the State Hospital. There is plenty of underutilized state land that LVF should explore moving there.

It would afford them the space to build a facility and campus consistant with their mission.

[Unregistered]

Neighbors are furious that they knew nothing of the meeting between HLW and selectmen Mackenzie and Kraus nor were they invited.
According to the selectmens meeting they are not alone. Selectmen Timson and Snuffer knew nothing of the meeting nor were they invited. No info as to Berry.Is this the transparency all promised during the campaign?

[Unregistered]

I still think the biggest problems are yet to arise. Bringing girls into the mix at LVF will only make matters worst.

We're not talking about the LVF of even 10 years ago. These are people out of control and sent here because the other facilities don't want them, they're serial trouble makers or worst.

Next, we'll be having police response to attempted rapes, rapes, fights over who 'girl friend' she is. The list will go on and on.

As to the:
"Town Administrator Michael Boynton noted that as a school, Longview Farm is sheltered from the town's zoning bylaw. Under land use law, town officials do not have the authority to require the Home to accept a moratorium. But selectmen might be able to have an impact in their capacity as police commissioners, Boynton and board members maintained."

I suggest that the police 'commissioners', whoever they may be - start taking this situation seriously.

We can't have the town completely uncovered as well as neighboring towns who are asked to respond.

All it will take is an accident on RT 1 or RT 1A, a fire where police are needed to control the traffic or an active robbery in progress.

No one seems to consider these LVF troublemakers aren't the same kids who attend WHS in the 80-90's. These are people are out of control and something needs to be set in motion to control the situation before it gets worst..

[Unregistered]

i believe that if the kids at lvf where all white, this wouldn't be as much of an issue. the folks in walpole are uneasy when they see a group of black kids walking in a small group no matter where they are. They could all be a-students, from good homes with good behavior, but if they got a little rowdy like teenagers do, they would feel unease.

thats the walpole way.

[Unregistered]

i believe that if the kids at lvf where all white, this wouldn't be as much of an issue. the folks in walpole are uneasy when they see a group of black kids walking in a small group no matter where they are. They could all be a-students, from good homes with good behavior, but if they got a little rowdy like teenagers do, they would feel unease.

thats the walpole way.

Frankly that is one of the most racist comments i have ever heard.
Your implication that these problems all start with black students is disgusting.
People such as yourself who see everything as a race issue are hurting this country.

I don't believe you or most people know the color of the young person who sent an instructor to the hospital. People don't know or care the color of the people causing our entire police department to be deployed to Longview. What they do know is there are serious problems.

Frankly you are ignorant of what is going on.
Now the choice is up to you
1) become informed
2) continue to spout racist comments to make yourself feel better.

[Unregistered]

very typical walpole reply.

[Unregistered]

One of the reasons more troublesome students have appeared at LVF is due to the success of local school departments adding more special education programs into their public schools. The local school districts were spending way too much money sending their troubled students to out-of-district private schools so one way to save the schools money has been to create these in-house programs. As a result, private schools like LVF have been losing money. In the past, LVF has been able to pick and choose who they will take into their program. But, because of declining enrollment, they have been forced to take whoever the state wants to send and have not had the luxury of saying no to very troubled kids who would never have been accepted there just a few years ago.
Maybe LVF ought to switch their goals altogether and become a private school for kids without any issues who would like the kind of education that public schools used to offer to regular ed kids in the past, but no longer can because so much of the budget is going to meet unfunded demands for special ed from the state and federal government.

The real issue in all of this is the unfunded mandates. Yes, special education is necessary, but there needs to be a serious and honest dialog about how much can and should be done with public monies without all of the emotion and public display of students with the most severe special needs.

[Unregistered]

i believe that if the kids at lvf where all white, this wouldn't be as much of an issue. the folks in walpole are uneasy when they see a group of black kids walking in a small group no matter where they are. They could all be a-students, from good homes with good behavior, but if they got a little rowdy like teenagers do, they would feel unease.

thats the walpole way.

That is one of the most ignorant posts I have ever seen on this site. You need to come out from under your rock, take a look at the classrooms in Walpole public schools, take a look at the athletic teams (school-based teams as well as youth teams)... your claims are unfounded and offensive.

This is not a race issue, so don't make it one... it is an issue of safety, both for the students at LVF and the citizens of Walpole.

[Sparky]

i believe that if the kids at lvf where all white, this wouldn't be as much of an issue. the folks in walpole are uneasy when they see a group of black kids walking in a small group no matter where they are. They could all be a-students, from good homes with good behavior, but if they got a little rowdy like teenagers do, they would feel unease.

thats the walpole way.

This is not a racist comment so much as it is an insulting comment to the residents of the town. On what are you basing your presumption? I'm with Poster #116; come out from under your rock and take a look at the 21st Century. You're living in the past, man.

And I'm telling you, anyone who uses phrases like "the Walpole way" in a negative light has never seen much of the rest of the world. Some of you don't know how good we have it here.