Apr 13, 2008 11:54 pm US/Eastern
Families Appeal Governor's Closing Of Rosewood
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Family members of people living at the Rosewood Center in Owings Mills are appealing Governor O'Malley's decision to close the facility.
There were angry words for the Governor Sunday from some family members and staff at the Rosewood Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Owings Mills.
In January, the governor announced that the facility would be closing its doors.
Derek Valcourt reports the families and staff are angry and want answers from the governor, even though advocates for the developmentally disabled say the closing of Rosewood is in the best interest for everyone.
All of them say they are worried for their family members, but their frustration and anger is aimed at the governor.
"When you make a decision as critical as the one you've made about our family members, we are due for an audience with him," said one family member.
Rosewood has been a home to the state's developmentally disabled for more than 100 years, but inspections found neglect and dangerous conditions. Governor O'Malley decided it was time to close the outdated facility.
"What happens to my son is a source of fear for me. What happens to my son is exactly the question," said Rosalind Gregory.
Some of the residents were court committed, others taken to Rosewood by their families.
State recommendations have found most of the residents at Rosewood can be moved into community living facilities.
Family members told
Eyewitness News they doubt that and blame O'Malley.
"I think the governor has two or maybe three normal children. He doesn't know what it's like to have a retarded child that you can't handle at home and that they've been handled so well here at Rosewood," said David Royston.
State officials say great care will be taken to make sure residents have a quality placement.
Ellanore Smith worked at Rosewood for more than 30 years. She acknowledges past problems, but says the center still helps many.
"I just don't think it's fair. I think if they are going to do anything, they need to downsize it and leave a portion open for the people who are not able to function out there in society," said Smith.
Some 500 employees are also upset about the closing.
The governor says they'll work with union leaders to help find them new jobs.
It's expected it will take at least 18 months to relocate all of the Rosewood residents.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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