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St. Mary's Square Seeking Cooperation from Knoxville City Leaders
Officials with St. Mary's Square Living Center are asking for help from the Knoxville City Council in transitioning the developmentally-disabled from congregate living to group homes.

Square Administrator Bobby Dillard presented to alderman Monday night on the scope of the project. He says decisions are being made quickly as lots become available in Knox County to build over two dozen eight-bedroom homes.

"We are seeking your cooperation," Dillard said. "We really need to be able to know that you will help us along with not putting obstacles such as building permits and zoning-- that might keep us from, or would make an obstacle for building homes in the community."

Dillard says the plan is to build two homes in Knoxville, in addition to the fourteen already under construction in Galesburg and two being built in Abingdon.

The Square's Bud Westbay says there's fifty Knoxville residents employed by St. Mary's working at the current institutionalized setting in Galesburg. As a resident himself, he says he wants those people and possibly over twenty others staying in Knoxville.

Acting Mayor Bob Johnson says alderman will deliver their thoughts on the project in two weeks.
05 09 12 by Newsroom
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