This is in reply to the guest commentary, "Closing Southbury is best policy option," (Dec. 14). I feel the facility should remain open until the current occupants pass on, which is still the current plan.

Yanking 60- to 70-year-olds with severe intellectual disabilities out of familiar surroundings is tantamount to cruelty. Hospital employees (not just administrators) who work directly with these handicapped individuals can especially appreciate how devastating such a change would be.

On Sept. 8, 2014, Eileen Lemay, a board member of Southbury Training School, was quoted in The Day, "Southbury closing would make no sense." The article also stated that "in response to the aging and reduced .. .population served, there is a strong existing plan ... to centralize the clients in one area of the campus. This plan offers economies as the population declines."

So I still support the position Sen. John McKinney took during his unsuccessful primary campaign and applaud his compassion for the Southbury residents.

These people are completely helpless. Let them live out the rest of their lives as peacefully and comfortably as possible.