Readers Write: “The Partial Observer” is a column title used frequently in our publications to clearly identify an opinion piece, and/or that the author has some sort of personal or professional interest in the topic about which they are writing. These commentaries reflect on myriad current political, economic, and social situations in this county, this country, and abroad. The content of such submissions should not be construed to be representative of the views of “The Freeman’s Journal,” “Hometown Oneonta,” or AllOtsego.com. In the interests of our readers and with the right and privilege of free speech in mind, we continue to print “partial observer” pieces as we deem relevant.

The Partial Observer by Marie Loper

The Partial Observer: Rehabilitation Support Services Model is ‘Flawed, Unsafe’

Christine Nealon’s October 2nd piece [“Solstice Commons—a Thoughtful Step Forward for Oneonta”] painted a lovely picture of the proposed Rehabilition Support Services development in Oneonta’s 6th Ward named “Solstice Commons.” Of course, that’s her job—to make sure these facilities get built. But beneath that polished presentation lie some uncomfortable truths.

I want to focus on what Ms. Nealon glosses over: safety. I have never lived anywhere as safe as Oneonta. I grew up in low-income housing, and have spent the majority of my life in neighborhoods where women couldn’t run alone at night or early morning. Where walking your dogs in the dark—no matter what their size—was dangerous. Here, it’s different. Moms push strollers at all hours without fear. Kids ride bikes and walk to school or to each other’s homes for sleepovers, day or night. Just the other evening, I sat on my porch after midnight and watched a group of teenage girls in pajamas walk from one house to another. The sense of security here is real and rare. It’s a cornerstone of why we live here.