County Commissioners expected to show a "Profile in Courage" on relocation of St. Francis house, rejecting anti-homeless bigotry

Bigotry got a boost from St. Johns County’s Planning Agency (PZA), September 16.
PZA voted unanimously to violate the constitutional rights of the St. Augustine Society, which operates St. Francis House, an acclaimed homeless shelter with proven results helping people.
Demagogic, uninformed State Representative Charles Van Zant (R-Keystone Heights), identifying himself as legislator/architect/preacher, intimidated PZA, spouting irrational opinions (then leaving without being cross-examined by SFH supporters). This windbag should go back to theology school and study Matthew: “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.”
The United States Supreme Court holds that “irrational prejudice” against mentally retarded people is not a “rational basis” for zoning decisions -- finding the City of Cleburne, Texas violated the Constitution’s equal protection guarantees by discriminating against a group home.
Carpet-bombing the Constitution, finding “no room at the inn,” PZA unconstitutionally denied St. Francis House a new home. Wonder why?
An angry bunch of Republican Party “leaders,” neighbors and St. Gerard House funders played politics with homelessness, misled by Rep. Van Zant. Acting badly, some chauvinists (some from as far away as Ponte Vedra) haughtily hooted at speakers who supported St. Francis House’s plans to locate across from Target. Sadly, PZA voted 7-0 to indulge their “fear and smear tactics,” appeasing bigotry, hatred and prejudice. Enough.
SFH’s new location is close to social services (EPIC, VA, Flagler Hospital, County Health Department). SFH and St. Gerard Campus are compatible land uses, both serving disadvantaged people. SFH is working zealously to accommodate St. Gerard’s concerns about security, lighting and fencing.
Commissioners reviewing PZA’s decision will be well-advised to ignore irrational prejudice against homeless people. Speak out.
Our government must decide the appeal based upon facts, not fears.
We expect five County Commissioners to show us “Profiles in Courage,” in JFK’s words.