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Residents urge town hall after proposed detox plan near schools; council says Prop 1 funding not awarded
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the council to hold a public forum and opposed an Interfaith Project detox facility proposed at 800 West Mission, citing proximity to schools and safety concerns; city staff said Prop 1 funding was not awarded, returning land-use authority to the city.
Hundreds of San Marcos residents mobilized against the proposed Interfaith Project detox facility at 800 West Mission, and multiple speakers asked the City Council to hold a town hall to answer questions about how the proposal progressed.
“Please schedule a town hall meeting so that the the citizens of San Marcos can find out what went on,” said Dennis, a resident who said an online petition opposing the location gathered about 1,550 signatures in three weeks. He asked the mayor and council to explain the process and to work with residents to prevent similar surprises.
Matthew Sembach, another resident, said his “top 3 concerns” were the location, potential unsupervised interactions, and a perceived lack of transparency. He said seven schools and facilities sit within 0.75 miles of the site and told the council, “This is not just about zoning. It's about protecting children.” Kristin Weaver, who described volunteering at a detox facility, said advocates had stepped forward to help and criticized the council for not personally opposing the location. “We will cry out again and again because this is what is best for children,” she said.
Mayor Jones told the meeting that the Interfaith Project did not receive Prop 1 funds and that, as a result, “we will have land use authority on that property.” The mayor said the state funding decision returned discretion over the proposal to the city.
Speakers repeatedly asked elected officials to use their official and personal influence; several urged council members to sign the petition or publish personal opposition statements. Residents said neighborhood safety, proximity to schools and playgrounds, and the potential for people to congregate near youth facilities were central concerns.
Council members acknowledged community frustration and said staff would continue to provide updates. No council vote or land-use decision was taken at the May 12 meeting; the council’s role was limited to receiving public comment and confirming the funding status reported at the meeting.
