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Location of drug rehabilitation center questioned
Marianas Behavioral International, Inc.’s plan to operate a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in As Perdido has come under fire from concerned citizens who believe it poses a safety and security concern to residents of the area.
In last Thursday’s Commonwealth Zoning Board meeting, Marianas Behavior Health representative Crispin M. Sablan defended the non-profit organization’s decision to set up shop along Haiguas Lane in As Perdido that has been classified as “institutional residential” and has been permitted in the district as conditional use.
He said he has seen first hand how many people have succumbed to the perils of drug and alcohol addiction and that’s why setting up the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center is very critical.
Several concerned citizens, however, spoke against the operation of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in the area.
One of those who opposed the said proposal was Liana M. Hofschneider, Sablan’s own sister.
“As an aspiring psychologist, I am an ardent supporter of programs that provide for counseling and rehabilitation services to members of our community who have fallen prey to the ailment of drugs and alcohol,” she said. “Unfortunately, the permit application for activities such as a drug and alcohol recovery center is not conducive to the residential environment where there are numerous families with children and very close proximity that ranges from 100 to 300 feet from the proposed center.”
Hofschneider added, “This type of activity exposes the residents to compromise safety and security of their families and community members in the neighborhood.”
Sablan addressed the concern by stating that the proposed drug and alcohol rehabilitation center would be a 24-7 operation manned by capable and well-trained individuals who would make sure that everyone’s safety is given utmost importance.
