Council denies Fishing Point Healthcare overnight use near schools after school board opposition

Chesapeake City Council unanimously adopted a motion to deny the conditional use permit (PLNUSE2024‑028) sought by Fishing Point Healthcare to operate an overnight alcohol and substance abuse recovery facility at 2856 Forehand Drive.

Applicant speakers described a 60‑bed residential treatment component, Medicaid billing, and local job creation; Ben Grindstaff, representing Fishing Point, said the project “creates 40 stable, high paying jobs” and stressed security investments made at the site. David Darling, who identified himself as counsel for the applicant, told council the facility has been operating for months and that the tribe‑owned operator has invested in fencing and cameras: “We have spared no expense in security…we have…put in a high security fence all the way around.”

School officials and administrators strongly opposed the location. Angie Swigert, chair of the Chesapeake School Board, said the facility is “not a suitable location” adjacent to two public schools and argued that several mitigation measures proposed by the applicant and staff do not eliminate the risk to students. School administration representative Paige Stutz said the front door of the facility is “less than 900 feet” from Deep Creek Elementary and expressed concern about monitoring of cameras and fence security. Multiple residents also said the facility’s proximity to schools made the location inappropriate.

Council debate acknowledged the community need for treatment services but repeatedly cited concerns about compatibility with adjacent schools. Council Member Carey moved to deny the application and cited personal experience with family addiction in explaining the motion; Council Member Ward seconded. The motion to deny was adopted by an 8–0 vote. The clerk recorded the motion as "Motion to deny PLNUSE2024‑028 is adopted by an 8 0 vote." The denial leaves the facility operating as it currently does only to the extent allowed by existing permits and requires the applicant to seek a different site or modified proposal if they wish to pursue an overnight component.

The transcript records claims and counterclaims about security, monitoring, and exact bed count (applicant speakers referred to both 60 and 68 beds in statements). The city did not adopt additional conditions or a compromise at this meeting; council acted to deny the requested conditional use.