Gov. Chris Christie has proposed closing both campuses of the Vineland Development Center, which houses 350 women. The west campus is on schedule to close June 30, and the east campus is set to follow within two years. The budget savings would total $1.6 million a year.
"We recognize that closure is a very emotional issue for families, caregivers and developmental center staff," Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez told an Assembly Budget panel Thursday. "It's also an economic issue for that region. In the end, however, our single most important consideration must be the individuals that we serve."
About 100 union workers protested in Vineland on Thursday as the budget committee sought details on the closure plans.
After the hearing, Assemblyman John Burzichelli of Thorofare said there are still unanswered questions about the care of the displaced residents and the workers slated to lose their jobs.
Velez said residents of the facility will be placed in group homes, at home with families or at other developmental centers.
With 8,000 New Jersey residents on waiting lists for disabled housing, Burzichelli wondered how the administration could accomplish closing Vineland in 2013.
"The key to do so is safety and respect their rights," Velez said.
A 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision has forced New Jersey and other states to rethink housing options for developmentally disabled residents. Group housing within communities is the preferred alternative to institutionalization whenever possible.
The Rev. Albert Griffin, pastor of Adullam Baptist Covenant Church in Vineland, said jobs at the developmental center are a lifeline for five of his congregants and their extended families. He said he recognizes that the center is likely to close and that high-tech companies are interested in locating in the region. Therefore, he said, he and others plan to advocate for training and education opportunities that will help prepare area residents for new jobs.
Griffin said the center's closing will be an economic blow to residents and businesses.
The Vineland-Bridgeton-Millville region has poverty and teen pregnancy rates that are among the highest in the state. Its unemployment rate of 14.6 percent is the second highest in the state. The state average is 9.2 percent.
Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, has asked for hearings on the closing, which are scheduled for May.
A bigger worker rally is also being planned for next month.
