Council approves business license for 78‑bed Ridge Recovery inpatient program; planning staff recommended approval

The Wellsville City Council voted Oct. 7 to approve a business license for Ridgepointe Capital to reopen Ridge Recovery as an inpatient drug‑rehabilitation facility licensed initially for 78 beds. Applicant Mike Robinson (S3) told the council the center intends to serve primarily Medicaid clients in its first year and hopes to seek accreditation so it can accept private insurance later.

"My name is Mike Robinson, and I'm here to meet with the city council for approval of our business license to open up, reopen, Rising Ridge Recovery," Robinson said when presenting the application. He described a residential program (clients staying on site rather than drive‑in/drive‑out), estimated initial licensing at 78 beds, and said the first year would focus on Medicaid‑eligible residents with household incomes under $22,000.

Council and staff asked about site access, parking and nearby public use. Planning and Zoning staff (S1) said they had questions but ultimately recommended approval unanimously. Council discussed potential trail users and hikers on adjacent open space and whether a fence should be considered "so that people don't come wandering down into the drug rehab area," per S3's comment on safety.

The applicant said the facility would operate under a lease initially (lease to start either later this month or Nov. 1) with an intent to purchase the property in two to three years. Staff noted the property's current water system is raw spring water sold to the resort and that the property owner will need to ensure chlorination and municipal water rules are met before opening.

A motion to approve the business license was moved and seconded and the council approved the license; no recorded public opposition appeared in the transcript.