Neighbor posts sign attacking disabled group home residents

SCITUATE, Mass. — A South Shore community is drawing together to support a group of developmentally disabled women after a neighbor hung a vicious sign targeting the women.

The home was recently built by Cardinal Cushing Centers as a place for four women to live and work in a supportive setting, according to the CEO.

"Scituate was kind of determined to be the best place for them to live and be a part of the community," CEO Peter O'Meara told FOX25.

But last week, shortly before the four women moved in, O'Meara said the man whose property abuts the home's backyard hung a sign insulting the women who were set to live there.

According to a police report, the neighbor hung a sheet on his child's swing set that read, "Welcome R------," and then read "Cardinal Cushing has raped our neighborhood."

"Very demeaning, very disrespectful, very insulting, and totally unacceptable behavior," O'Meara said.

Cardinal Cushing staff called police, who went to the man's home and spoke to him.

According to the police report, the neighbor was upset over a property line dispute and that Cardinal Cushing had not installed a barrier wall or privacy fence between the home and his property.

Police said the neighbor agreed to take down the sign, and since Cardinal Cushing has planted a row of privacy bushes.

"Not only did he do a tremendous insult to the staff and people that call it their home, but I think he really did a tremendous disservice to his neighbors, and the community of Scituate," O'Meara told FOX25.

In the days since, word of the incident has spread throughout the community, and O'Meara said many residents have stepped forward in support.

"The positive outpouring from the Scituate community certainly doesn't support his point of view," O'Meara said.

Town selectmen and neighbors have stopped by to personally welcome the women, and police officers sent a bouquet of flowers.

Others have started a Facebook page entitled "Scituate Welcomes Cardinal Cushing."

The neighbor in question was not charged with a crime, which is why FOX25 is not identifying him.

FOX25 did go to the man's home Tuesday seeking comment, but a woman who answered the door said he was not available.

Cox Media Group