Emotion high over NJ plan to close disability home

New Jersey plans to close one of seven institutions for people with developmental disabilities, the AP reports, and the decision has stirred emotional debate.

The Vineland Developmental Center has been open for more than a century. But some advocates for people with developmental disabilities say some of the centers need to close so more residents can live in group homes and other less restrictive settings. They say New Jersey relies more on big institutions than nearly any other state but that group homes cost taxpayers less.

Officials around Vineland argue that closing the center would take away too many jobs in Cumberland County, which is among New Jersey’s poorest. Some lawmakers want to block funding to shut down the center.