Proposed downtown substance abuse facility

Supports treatment facilities in general but believes Main Street is the wrong location, citing vacant downtown storefronts, property value risks, potential drug dealing, and strain on an already stretched police department.

A longtime local physician who disagreed with the prior speaker, saying the facility is critically needed, would not be a methadone clinic, and would bring top-tier therapy professionals near the police department.

Concerned about the finances — who pays the workers if the grant only covers renovation — and asked the council to adopt a resolution of opposition until more information is available.

Agreed the service is needed but asked the council to consider a different location, questioned the 310-bed capacity and 65 hires figures, and pressed council members on whether they'd support postponement and more study.