City approves controversial addiction recovery center plan

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a conditional use application for an addiction recovery center located at 505 West Grand Avenue. The proposal aims to operate a men's residential detoxification and drug and alcohol recovery facility within a 27,487 square foot building, which has a history of similar use by Qualpaw House Incorporated from 2016 to 2021.

The application, which was presented by Director Shellman, seeks to house up to six clients at a time, with stays typically ranging from three to seven days. The facility would also include parking across Barry Street.

The meeting included a procedural discussion regarding public participation in the decision-making process, emphasizing that community members would have opportunities to express their views on the plans as they develop. Following the discussion, the board voted unanimously to recommend the application for approval, which will be considered at a public meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM on September 3.

The approval process is part of a structured approach to ensure that all stakeholders have a chance to weigh in on the proposed facility, reflecting the community's interest in addressing addiction recovery services.