Residents of the Horseshoe neighborhood in Palm Beach County voiced strong opposition during a planning meeting on November 8, 2024, against a proposed recovery center that they fear will disrupt their community and compromise their safety. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from multiple residents, highlighting concerns over increased traffic, noise, and potential declines in property values.

Bonnie Roberts, a local resident, expressed her worries about the facility's emergency entrance directly across from her home, which she believes would lead to noise from sirens and increased traffic. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the neighborhood's family-oriented atmosphere, stating, "We want to keep it that way." Other residents echoed her sentiments, arguing that the proposed development does not align with the character of their single-family home community.

Brian Mako, another long-time resident, shared his frustration over the potential impact on his property value and quality of life, stating, "This whole thing has been now when I go to retire, this whole everything I work for has been taken away from me." He urged the commissioners to consider the long-standing residents' perspectives before making a decision.

The residents also raised concerns about safety, particularly for children in the neighborhood, and questioned the adequacy of a proposed six-foot wall meant to mitigate the facility's impact. Many argued that alternative locations for the recovery center exist that would not infringe on their community.

As the meeting progressed, the residents called for the commissioners to prioritize their well-being and reconsider the approval of the project. The discussions underscored a deep-seated desire among the community members to protect their neighborhood's integrity and safety from developments they perceive as harmful.

The outcome of this meeting remains to be seen, but the residents' unified stance highlights the ongoing tension between community interests and development plans in Palm Beach County.