Comments on: AA Faces 300,000% Rent Hike In Historic Fire Station

By: Boise Resident

Boise Resident — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:19:25 +0000

The Grapevine Club building is a sad sad excuse for the local government “doing the right thing.” By keeping the rent obnoxiously low, it has enabled the city to turn a blind eye to the structure, the grounds, and the behavior of the tenants. It’s easily the worst looking building in the surrounding neighborhood/area. I support the cause, just not the current method.

Unfortunately, being an AA support location, the city is in a position where anything other than renewing the lease would be the viewed as the unethical thing to do. I’m hoping they can make the tough decisions that are necessary for this property.

EDITOR NOTE–We listed some factors to consider. What are the “tough decisions” in your opinion?

By: tom

tom — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:39:55 +0000

Fact Finder, I do not know him personally but, I have spoken to the man on a couple of occasions though, in a non official manner. I dare not speak for others but the good sheriff is no well thought of in certain circles, and I am talking about people who have met him in his capacity as an administrator not as LE. I will not disparage him further, I will just say thank you for agreeing.

By: JamesBond

JamesBond — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:54:40 +0000

There are always people who have some requirement to attend a rehab program. AA is common, but there are some others. While not all AA programs will validate attendance, many do via what are called “green slips.” If I was mayor, I would see if I could get something organized in terms of a cleaning of the outside. That should not be too hard. I am not familiar with the details of the Grapevine club, although I know where it is.

By: tom

tom — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:52:05 +0000

I dont think the city has been in cohoots with this particular group since 1952, I may be wrong. Just fix the building and do the right thing….

By: Fact Finder

Fact Finder — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:44:01 +0000

Tom’s description of Raney is perfect! He must know him personally. The narcissism clouds good judgment needed by a county Sheriff. It would be helpful for the Guardian to seek correct information on this topic by educated individuals knowing the dynamics of addiction.

By: Daisy

Daisy — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:04:17 +0000

I don’t think anyone is critizing AA as a program, that’s not the point of the article. I drive by this building when dropping my kids off at North. It’s in terrible condition with peeling paint and overgrown shrubbery. The city as owner should take better care of the building and the Grapevine Club as renters should keep the grounds neat and tidy. If I were a neighbor, I’d be unhappy with both parties. As an aside, what is the history with the city and this AA group that they’ve been in partnership since 1952? There are lots of AA groups around the area. The article made it sound as if the courts mandate people to attend this particular AA group only. Is that true?

EDITOR NOTE–Clarification. Lewis said the majority of those attending meetings are referrals from the courts. The same is probably true for any other AA club as well. GUARDIAN story was prompted by a reader complaining about the city subsidizing this particular “private club.” As we noted, there are a multitude of factors involved. We tried for three days to get a response from the city and no one would return our calls.

By: LJ

LJ — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:23:22 +0000

I think the problem with the Allumbaugh House is easy enough to figure out. They can only take ‘voluntary’ people. So if the police take an extremely intoxicated person to the Allumbaugh House – the person could walk out 5 minutes later. This puts liability on the police, and the Allumbaugh House if something were to happen to that person. The police only put people on a detox hold when they are so intoxicated they aren’t able to provide for their own safety – and when a family member or friend isn’t willing to take the person.

The problem is still addiction, and it is a choice for a person to want help. Most people have to hit complete rock bottom to want the help, and sometimes they still don’t. We throw money at a lot of programs with good intentions, but human nature still prevails.

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:51:46 +0000

this is so depressing… i think i need a drink

By: bikeboy

bikeboy — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:08:30 +0000

Count me as one more city/county taxpayer who would like to know more about Allumbaugh House “not working out.” (Times are tough, and I’d rather keep my dollars than throw ’em down the drain.)

By: John

John — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:24:11 +0000

I hope they don’t get rid of the Grapevine. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. 16 years without a drink. The club upstairs is for members only, but it is not strictly enforced and the fee is nominal. I hope the city would be willing to re-negotiate. It is an important place for a lot of people. It would be money well spent.