Drug Rehabilitation Center

Subject: Drug Rehabilitation Center
Date: Jun 9, 2004 1:03 PM

I just got a heads-up from Chris Montesinos that the owner of the old personal care facility on Ware Avenue (between Church and Cheney) has applied to the state for a drug rehab center for teens. The location is zoned M&I for institutional use. Even though we had Frog Hollow downzoned to single family, several locations were grandfathered in under their use at that time. In addition, the center is protected under federal fair housing laws and the ADA (drug addiction is considered a disability). [Name omitted] granted the applicant a certificate of occupancy and never bothered to tell us. Chris Montesinos is being asked to send a zoning verification letter to the applicant to file with the state. I have no doubt that Frog Hollow residents will be outraged about this facility (correct me if I'm wrong).

Here are a couple of possible suggestions for action on our part. (1) We make certain extensive setbacks are required for such facilities in the future -- which will keep most out of single-family residential areas; (2) if the place has been vacant for over 1 year, we can challenge its "grandfathered" status (can someone verify this?); and (3) we send a letter from the neighborhood to the state protesting the facility location. I can work to get Council to do the same. Let me know your thoughts, please.

Teresa Nelson