Hearing Examiner Oks Permit For New Drug Treatment Center

A special permit for a controversial drug treatment facility was approved, with conditions, this week by city hearing examiner Greg Smith.

The rehabilitation center owners plan to remodel and move into the former Regency Care Center at 44 E. Cozza on the North Side.

The treatment center, run by American Behavioral Health Systems, has operated at Garland Avenue and G Street for many years.

Neighbors at the hearing last week were concerned about the safety of their children, property values and increased traffic.

Conditions of approval include a limit of 100 patients. Smith also required installation of a security system, improved lighting that will also be shielded to prevent glare into nearby homes.

American Behavioral Health will also be required to build a fence as a buffer between the facility and the houses to the east.

Other zoning, land-use news

Two hearings are scheduled Tuesday. The first, at 9 a.m., is a property line adjustment requested by Ronald La Marche. The two businesses are located at 1815 and 1819 E. Francis Avenue.

The second hearing, at 10:30 a.m., is an appeal by Gustav Harras of a street revision and parking plan in connection with development of the Fuller building at Desmet Avenue. Harras is concerned truck access to his business will be blocked by the changes.

, DataTimes