Neighbors Express Concerns About Proposed Drug Rehab In/Around: Nevada/Lidgerwood

About 40 neighbors spent two hours Monday with the owner of a drug rehabilitation treatment center proposed for the Nevada-Lidgerwood neighborhood.

Craig Phillips, owner of American Behavioral Care Systems, wants to open a facility in the former Regency Care Center at 44 E. Cozza.

Phillips tried to reassure neighbors that the program won’t endanger their children, hurt property values or increase traffic.

Neighbors, however, were frustrated by a lack of information provided at the meeting, such as the percentage of patients with criminal backgrounds and those who relapse after treatment.

A petition opposing the project is circulating through the neighborhood.

“There is a lot of concern by the neighbors in the area,” said Sandy Smith, Nevada-Lidgerwood resident. She is optimistic some of the concerns can be resolved.

“We need to all work together for the good of the neighborhood,” she added.

Phillips would move the program from its current site at Garland Avenue and G Street, where it has operated for several years with no complaints from the neighborhood, he said.

“In three years we’ve had no incidents of violence,” he said. “If someone wants to leave, we drive them.

“I can’t predict the future,” he added.

Phillips said the facility will provide a good buffer between the noisy, busy Division Street and houses.

“I guess this is just one more thorn we are going to have to live with,” said a neighbor in the audience.

Residents were also disappointed no city representatives attended the meeting. A special use permit is required for the center.

Neighbors plan to ask city Hearing Examiner Greg Smith to hold the hearing, tentatively scheduled for March 10, on the North Side so more residents can attend. Phillips said the treatment center will have room for 99 beds. The center on Garland is licensed for 72 beds.

Phillips said he now employs 27 people and will probably add 10 more during the next year. Those positions will include a janitor, another nurse and counselors. About 25 employees will work the day shift.

All patient activity will take place in the building. Patients will only be allowed outside with a staff escort or as part of social re-entry activities, according to the proposal filed with the city.

The center will serve mildly to severely chemically dependent patients.

The building is surrounded by homes on the east side, a fast-food restaurant, an empty lot and a fire station on the other sides. The current parking lot isn’t expected to change.

If the special use permit is approved, Phillips plans to begin remodeling immediately and hopes to open in early summer.

, DataTimes