Public Comment - 3360 W 78th StreetRyan Stinson
3360 W 78th Street
The Arbors Development
Excelsior,MN 55331
9.16.24
Mayor:Elise Ryan -eryan@chanhassenmn.gov
City Council Members:
Mark Von Oven -mvonoven@chanhassenmn.gov
Jerry McDonald -jmcdonald@chanhassenmn.gov
Haley Schubert -hschubert@chanhassenmn.gov
Josh Kimber -jkimber@chanhassenmn.gov
Chanhassen City Hall
7700 Market Blvd
Chanhassen,MN 55317
Dear Mayor Ryan and Members of the City Council,
I write to you today as a deeply concerned resident of the Arbors development.Over the past
year,our neighborhood was the site of an alarming and violent incident at the Hope House
(Westwood Church)less than three months ago.That evening,as many of us returned home,
we were greeted not by the peace and security we expect in Chanhassen,but by the sight of
over 10 police cars and a SWAT team armed with assault rifles.This event and lack of response
from Westwood church has left us questioning the safety of our neighborhood.Further infringing
on this concern is the proposed development of the Hope House (Westwood Church)expanding
from 4 beds to 16 beds in our backyards.
This development undoubtedly will lead to an escalating pattern of violence with a profound
impact on our community.The sense of security that drew us to this neighborhood has been
shattered with the lack of response regarding the incident as well as the shogun deceptive
neighborhood meeting we had with Westwood last week.
We understand that shelters for troubled adolescents provide necessary services,but when
those services come at the cost of our safety,it becomes an issue that can no longer be
ignored.
I implore you to take immediate action on stopping this development and focus on the issues
impacting our neighborhood.The Hope House needs to focus on improving the operations of
their existing facility to ensure the safety and security of our neighborhood,not building a new
facility that will compound the threat to our families.Whether it’s through enhanced security
measures,stricter oversight of local facilities,or more frequent communication between law
enforcement and the community,something must be done before another violent incident
occurs.Our neighborhood is on edge,and without decisive intervention,I fear it’s only a matter
of time before these issues escalate further.
The residents of Arbors deserve to live without fear for our safety or the safety of our children.
We need reassurance from our city leaders that our concerns are not falling on deaf ears.I
respectfully ask that the Council and Mayor prioritize the security of the Arbors homeowners and
address the ongoing threats that have unsettled our once-peaceful community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.We eagerly await your response and,more
importantly,decisive action.
Sincerely,
Ryan Stinson
Resident of Arbors Development