As Hampstead state senator, I want to make it clear, I was not made aware of the plan which would cite the Youth Development Center (YDC) in Hampstead until very late in the process.
Since hearing about it, I have been working to resolve issues along with our state and local elected officials regarding Hampstead Hospital and now the replacement of the YDC in Hampstead. Our efforts have been focused on ensuring the safety of all residents of Hampstead and to ensure that Hampstead taxpayers are not shouldering any of the financial burden of these state facilities.
I have heard the anger and frustrations in our community about this process and feel the same. I believe the state completely overstepped by forcing these facilities on to Hampstead without our input, and it is time for our residents to have their voices heard and improve the communication between the state and our town around Hampstead Hospital and the YDC facility.
In Hampstead, we understand the importance of community input for massive projects such as these, especially when they will be in our community and run the risk of harming our town. Input from community members and leaders are crucial for creating a better process, a better facility, and a safer community overall. Residents must have a say in navigating this complicated process, and so far, the state has ignored the wishes and requests of Hampstead residents. Instead, the state has adopted a top-down approach and forced these facilities on to the community of Hampstead without any input or approval from leaders or residents of the town. Many residents feel as if the state completely overstepped their bounds and trampled over our community. The state’s actions thus far are completely unacceptable. As your State Senator, I write this in hopes of opening the lines of communication between the residents of Hampstead and the Governor’s office so we can work together to keep Hampstead safe while serving the vulnerable youth of our state.
These facilities being in our community will have a profound impact on our town’s residents and resources. Due to this, Hampstead will need more financial support from the state. Hampstead Hospital has already caused a massive strain on our limited public safety resources, as more fire, ambulance, and police services may be called when YDC is added to the mix and will divert needed resources from Hampstead residents. With the strain on public safety resources comes a potential threat to the general public these facilities pose. The state has a duty to protect its residents, and it is unacceptable for the state to force Hampstead to house potentially dangerous and destructive facilities without providing us with proper funding and security to keep our community safe.
Residents in Hampstead, who had no say in this matter, should not be in more danger in their own homes because of the state’s choices. Many in Hampstead are scared, especially when there have been instances where patients have escaped. The state of New Hampshire does not understand the issue never became “Not in my backyard” until patients started, quite literally, appearing in residence backyards. This is unacceptable and there needs to be a better solution than the state simply dropping the YDC in Hampstead and then washing their hands of the situation.
It is the duty of the state, not the town, to ensure Hampstead remains a safe place to live and work, period. We need more resources, such as police officers, paramedics, mental health crisis staff to protect the hospital and our community. There needs to be more of a conversation instead of a demand regarding the future of this facility. This issue has been persisting for years and it is time for the residents of Hampstead to be heard.
I am frustrated by this situation. I am angry that the residents of Hampstead are not being respected or listened to by the state and it is essential that there be more transparency from state officials in handling this process. Thus far, the state has just started listening to the needs and wishes of Hampstead with the addition of the fence, coming this fall, but we must continue to fight to make them listen.
I urge the governor to consider granting more support to the Hampstead community. We need better communication, more financial resources, public safety personnel, and more transparency. The people of Hampstead must be heard. Anything less is unacceptable. I know that by working with the community leaders in Hampstead, we can improve this whole process for the sake of public safety in Hampstead and the well-being of the children at these facilities.
Finally, to the Town of Hampstead, none of your current elected officials support what has happened. Keep in mind, there is also a very important gubernatorial primary coming up Sept. 10. I know where candidate Chuck Morse stands on this issue; he does not believe the YDC belongs in Hampstead. If you support Kelly Ayotte, who has the endorsement of Gov. Sununu, you need to ask her where she stands, and if you are a Democrat you need to see where Joyce Craig and Cinde Warmington stand on this issue as well.
