The Washington Times
The Herndon Town Council last night approved a proposed center for immigrant day laborers on a 5-2 vote.
On Tuesday and again last night before voting after 11 p.m., the council heard testimony from scores of residents, most of whom oppose the application filed by Project Hope and Harmony, a group of community leaders and churches seeking to curb problems associated with day laborers loitering at one of the town's 7-Eleven stores.
Project Hope and Harmony wants to open a trailer at the town's police station for day laborers who now congregate at the 7-Eleven. The center would provide restrooms and offer English classes and access to social workers to day laborers, who include legal immigrants and illegal aliens.
Project Hope and Harmony is looking for private donations and has applied for a grant from Fairfax County.
The county has set aside $400,000 in taxpayer funds from its $3 billion annual budget to address the day-labor problem in Herndon, Annandale, Culmore and Springfield. It has yet to grant the funds to any group, and officials are still reviewing applications.
Posted by katie at August 18, 2005