Community Voices Concerns Over Proposed Detox Center Near Pecan Lake Neighborhood

The Little Rock Planning Commission convened on August 14, 2025, to discuss a proposed facility aimed at providing mental health assistance in a residential neighborhood. The meeting featured significant community input, primarily from local residents expressing concerns about the facility's potential impact on safety and property values.

The session began with a call for public comments, during which several residents voiced their opposition to the facility. David Wright, a local pastor, highlighted issues stemming from a nearby detox center, stating that it has already caused problems in the community. He emphasized that while mental health services are essential, the current location is not suitable due to the existing detox center's negative effects on the neighborhood.

Denise White, a mortgage loan officer and resident, echoed these sentiments, citing frequent emergency calls and safety concerns related to the detox center. She argued that the presence of such facilities could devalue homes in the predominantly African American neighborhood, making it difficult for families to sell their properties.

William Ellis, a long-time resident, described the increased emergency activity since the detox center opened, stating that it has led to more disturbances than when a nursing home occupied the site. He urged the commission to reconsider the approval of the new facility, fearing it would exacerbate existing issues.

Other residents, including Ed Bullington and Bernard Mitchell, raised similar concerns about safety and the density of facilities in the area. They expressed fears that the proposed facility would attract more individuals with mental health issues, potentially leading to increased disturbances and safety risks for families in the neighborhood.

In response to the community's concerns, Ed Holman, representing the applicant, assured attendees that the facility would be staffed with trained professionals and would not accept individuals with violent backgrounds. He emphasized the importance of community integration for individuals with disabilities and argued that the facility would enhance the neighborhood rather than detract from it.

The commission discussed the density of the proposed facility, noting that it would accommodate 16 residents on a 7-acre lot, which they deemed appropriate compared to typical residential lot sizes. However, safety remained a primary concern for many commissioners and residents alike.

As the meeting concluded, the commission acknowledged the community's apprehensions while also recognizing the need for mental health services. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between community safety and the necessity of providing support for individuals with mental health challenges. The commission is expected to deliberate further on the proposal, weighing the concerns of local residents against the potential benefits of the facility.