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Neighbors present 130‑signature petition opposing 20‑bed recovery dormitory in Michigan City
Summary
Residents delivered a petition signed by about 130 neighbors opposing a planned 20‑bed dormitory/respite house proposed by the La Porte County drug‑free partnership, citing proximity to a school and neighborhood character; county officials said siting, funding and zoning involve the city and other entities.
Tom Nazimek told LaPorte County officials at a Michigan City town hall that neighbors have signed a petition opposing a proposed dormitory for 20 men sponsored by the La Porte County drug free partnership. "There's a planned dormitory for 20 men sponsored by the La Porte County drug free partnership," Nazimek said, and he handed a petition he said carried about 130 signatures.
Residents said the proposed site is in a historic, residential neighborhood less than half a block from a school and a church. Nazimek and other neighbors said they support recovery services in principle but want a different location. "We just think where they wanna put it right in the heart of a residential neighborhood is not a good choice," Nazimek said.
County officials told residents that siting and zoning for group homes are city matters. Commissioner Connie Grammarosa said county officials can be an ally but do not make city zoning decisions; she offered to attend meetings with residents and to help amplify neighborhood concerns. Steve Hollowield said the judges and city processes play a role in referrals to recovery programs, noting that judges typically recommend participants and that admission is voluntary.
A resident at the meeting said the county or affiliated groups previously pledged funding for respite housing, and that the city might be asked to contribute. "Back in November, the La Porte County Commission did pledge $750,000 of opioid ... monies for the respite house," the speaker said; he also said he expected a later request for $250,000 from city opioid funds. The county officials at the town hall did not confirm a final funding agreement at the session.
Paul Przybalinski, a neighborhood organizer, asked commissioners to meet privately with a small resident group to discuss the proposal and share research; commissioners agreed they could attend informational sessions so long as no formal decision or vote would be taken.
Next steps: residents said they will continue outreach to Franciscan Health and the partnership behind the project and will attend forthcoming city and partnership meetings. Commissioners encouraged neighbors to remain engaged and to bring specific questions to the city council and the partnership responsible for siting and funding.
