Submitted by C P Saul, Jan 11, 2007 23:56

It can't always be irrational fear, this medieval horror of people who are 'different.' I am appalled but not surprised at the change of heart evidenced by the Bennett condo board in reneging on the deal that would have allowed five retarded people a chance to live in their own home. I know about these issues first hand.

For almost ten years we waited for a group home for our son Mike, now 27. After finally being accepted for a 6-person group home in an up-and-coming building in Washington Heights, and reassuring Mike, who was as anxious to move out as his brother and sister had done, we were forced to wait an additional six months until Mike and his roommates could move in. We were never told what the delaying factors were. I suspect they are similar to what Mark Puddington is facing.

But this is the year 2007. The Bennett condo board can't still think that retarded means dangerous, can they? Maybe it's a cosmetic issue. Maybe they don't want people who might walk or talk or look 'funny'. Maybe it's an issue of holding out for more money, not for more 'desirable' tenants.

But speaking of money, I would bet a wad of it that if the Bennett condo board were polled, every one of them would have a retarded family member or know someone with a retarded family member. And if polled, every one of the condo board members would want that person to have a chance to live in dignity, much as they do. Wouldn't they? I'm sure they would.

Of course, the Bennett condo board does have a point. No 'good' building wants to be inundated by people who seem to have special needs. But it seems to me that five people is not an inundation; it's just another apartment.

Margaret Puddington and YAI can take heart that if they lose their suit against the Bennett, I am sure they will find many condos in Manhattan which are not 'off limits' or 'restricted' to people like Mark and his roommates. Like condos on Park or Madison Avenue, or any of Mr. Trump's luxury buildings, surely not yet inundated by these small group homes. I'm sure those boards would be very welcoming to a few retarded people, as the Bennett should be.

I do look forward to an invitation to Mark's housewarming very soon.

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