SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) — A Shawnee woman says a property she bought to house classes for sex offenders has been shot at and vandalized after her plans upset neighbors.
Holly Chandler has been remodeling a former mechanic's shop to hold classes for sex offenders. A window was broken there Monday, she said. Beer bottles have been thrown at it.
She has decided to sell the building, but plans to hold classes there until she has a buyer.
Neighbors have been circulating a petition aimed at keeping the center out of the neighborhood. They rallied Monday at a city commission meeting, voicing strong concerns about the center being in close proximity to Horace Mann Elementary School.
Resident Faith Jacoway said she isn't against sex offenders getting treatment, but wants the center away from schools and residential areas. She suggested moving it downtown near the police station.
"You wouldn't put an AA meeting next to a liquor store," Jacoway said.
City Manager Jim Collard said city officials will help Chandler look for an alternative location.
In the meantime, there is nothing in the law that could prevent her from opening, Collard said.
The business meets the area's commercial zoning requirements and if its remodeling meets city code requirements, Chandler will be issued an occupancy permit, Collard said.
He said police will monitor the business' inhabitants closely and won't hesitate to shut it down if there are problems.
Joanne Jones, who lives behind the center, said she and neighbors are not satisfied with answers they've gotten.
"We don't want it opened," she said. "We will be vigilant about it, but not vigilantes."
Chandler said the treatment sessions are for fewer than a dozen low-level sex offenders and last for one hour once a week. She said she has been having the classes for about 10 years at various locations in Shawnee with no complaints. She has classes in 23 counties.
Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.
