New Hanover County approves $1-per-year lease for STAR Center to expand detox and reentry beds
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Summary
The county approved a 9½-year nominal lease with LINC to operate the STAR Center as a 36-bed medical detox and stabilization facility; LINC will use 20 beds for transitional housing and RHA will occupy space. Operations are expected in spring.
New Hanover County commissioners voted unanimously to approve a lease with LINC Incorporated for the STAR Center, a stabilization and reentry facility on Robin Hood Road that staff says will house 36 beds for medical detox and crisis stabilization.
County staff described the lease as a nominal arrangement — "It will be for a nominal lease of a dollar per year, lasting 9 and 1 half years," said Sarah, a county staff member presenting the item. The lease requires the property be used as a treatment center and for transitional housing and allows either party to terminate with 270 days' notice. LINC will cover ongoing operating costs while the county retains responsibility for major repairs.
Michelle Gunn, co-director of LINC, said the STAR Center will prioritize males returning from incarceration who are on medication for opioid use disorder and will offer on-site therapy, NA/AA groups, case management, workforce training and transportation to community resources. "We will plan to offer comprehensive services at the Star Center that includes all of the services you see here, case management, connection, and access to behavioral health services," Gunn said.
Commissioners asked about parking and coordination with nearby providers; staff and LINC said much client transportation will be provided and that an arrangement exists with a neighboring property for overflow parking during events. The board also heard that the county will continue operating an existing Division Drive facility, which currently has 22 beds; adding 20 beds at Robin Hood will more than double capacity for that targeted population.
Commissioner Zappel noted financial support from Trillium for related operations, telling the board that Trillium is contributing $2,135,000 to back RHA to support the program’s success. The board approved the lease by unanimous voice vote.
The county and LINC said they expect operations to begin in spring and that a ribbon-cutting will be scheduled once a date is set.