DES MOINES, Wash. — Neighbors in Des Moines are upset about plans for a methadone clinic near an elementary school. They're frustrated they didn't know about the plans before the public comment period was over.
"Our politicians, for whatever reason, want to candy coat it and tell us there's no problem," said neighbor John Castronover. "We're all outraged over it."
Valley Cities obtained the permits to build Woodmont Recover Center on the 8 acre property off Pacific Highway South. The campus will treat patients for mental illness and drugs. One building will eventually hold a methadone clinic.
The proximity to Woodmont Elementary school is troubling for Joanne Nelner, who has children at the school.
"When you have young children intermingling next to drug users, it's just a bad message," she said.
A hearing examiner gave the recovery center a conditional use permit. Valley Cities followed the required notification process and says it extended notice to even more neighbors.
Ken Taylor, of Valley Cities, wants neighbors to know there will be security and follow through with patients.
"When they leave our facility, we will get them home," promised Taylor, "One of our pledges to the city, one of our pledges to the neighbors is we're not just going to put people out on Pac Highway and wish them well."
There is a community meeting planned for Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Woodmont Elementary School. Des Moines Mayor Dave Kaplan will meet with concerned residents.
Valley Cities will also attend and hopes to work with the community to negotiate a good neighbor agreement.