What do the neighbors think now? Community residences on Long Island, New York

Interviews with 75 neighbors of community residences for adults disabled by mental illness assessed perceptions of impact in five suburban communities. The Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) attitude articulated during program development changed to one of acceptance over time. After a few years experience, the overwhelming majority agreed that the community residences are good neighbors; they have had no problems; and the residences had no adverse effect on property values. The New York State Site Selection Law and comparative data on property value impact are discussed.