Monroe council approves McLeod Centers clinic near Atrium despite 500-foot spacing rule

Monroe City Council on Feb. 11 approved a zoning map amendment and land-use resolution allowing McLeod Centers for Well-being to relocate an outpatient rehabilitative clinic to 1410 East Franklin Street, near Atrium Health Union and adjacent to Daymark Recovery Center.

McLeod Centers CEO Christine Zizarro told council the nonprofit has provided outpatient substance-use services in Monroe for more than 20 years and that the relocation will colocate services with other medical providers to improve access. "By supporting the move to this new location near the hospital, you're endorsing a compassionate approach to healthcare that saves lives and strengthens our community," Zizarro said.

Planning staff told council the property already contains a paved lot with 22 parking spaces and mature street trees but does not meet a February 2024 text amendment that requires rehabilitative clinics to be at least 500 feet away from existing clinics and single-family residential zoning. Carrie Mendler, planning staff, said the proposed site lies roughly 174 feet from single-family zoning and immediately abuts Daymark Recovery Center, and that the applicant requested a deviation from the 500-foot requirement as part of the rezoning application.

Medical director Logan Adams described McLeod's services, including FDA-approved medications and counseling, emphasizing mortality reduction: "When you start [medications], it reduces somebody's chance of dying by 50 percent," Adams said. Supporters submitted letters from Atrium Health Union and Daymark Recovery Services, and several community partners and clinical staff spoke in favor during the public hearing, citing continuity of care and easier referral from the emergency department.

Several council members voiced concerns about proximity to residential areas and schools and pressed staff and McLeod on medication handling, diversion safeguards, counseling frequency and follow-up. McLeod representatives said medication take-home practices are phased and monitored, medication take-home requires documented stability, and the clinic uses urine drug screening and counseling to monitor adherence.

After public testimony and discussion, council voted to adopt the land-use resolution and approve the rezoning allowing the clinic at 1410 E. Franklin. The motion carried by voice vote; a roll-call tally was not recorded in the minutes.

The rezoning includes a formal deviation from the city—s 500-foot spacing guideline enacted in February 2024. Planning staff noted McLeod will require inspections and permitting to meet clinic and pharmacy standards before operations begin. Advocates said the site—s proximity to hospital services and Daymark will better coordinate care; opponents had not been documented in the public hearing record for this item.