Bloomington residents gather to protest rehab facility

Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – Bloomington residents gathered in front of a residential drug and alcohol treatment home to protest its presence Saturday afternoon. The facility, which has been a source of controversy among local residents, is slated to open this coming Monday.

Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Located on Sugar Leo Road in the Bloomington Ranches area, the facility, owned and operated by the Steps Recovery Center, drew the ire of neighbors last summer when they learned what the building would become.

Protesters’ concerns

There were many concerns listed by residents who suddenly found themselves neighbors of the recovery home. Among their worries are the character of the people to be enrolled into the facility, the impact the facility would have on their property values and the overall effect a commercial business would have on a primarily residential zone.

“We are a cooperative community that is expressing our opposition toward a locally owned business that is trying to establish a for-profit venue in our residential neighborhood,” the residents said in a prepared statement.

A major complaint the residents have regarding the facility is that there doesn’t seem to be much they, the city or the state can do about its location. Due to the treatment home’s coverage under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, worries about declining property values cannot be used by a city as a reason to reject an application for such facilities.

“We as homeowners are bewildered to the fact the government has been able to overpower our local, state and residential laws to allow this to happen.” the statement read. “We mystified citizens are largely concerned that our rights are being taken away little by little to favor special interest groups without any concern for the impact in each area that is affected.”

Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Simply put, many of the protesters said they wanted their neighborhood to remain residential and that it is no place for a treatment home, which is a commercial enterprise.

The statement also said: “There has been extensive research to show that such businesses that are being allowed to open … in our residential neighborhoods can operate without complications or difficulty in the proper zoning area such as commercial. That is why zoning laws have been established to allow American citizens the choice of where to live and where to invest in property.”

Response

The fact that the facility is in a residential area is a main reason why the location was chosen, said Barbara Gaume, executive director of the Steps Recovery Center.

“Not everyone needs residential treatment,” Gaume said. However, she said there are those whose addictions are significant enough to warrant it.

“We recognize that (certain) people heal better in a residential setting rather than an institutional setting,” she said.

Research has shown that people struggling with addiction do better in recovery in a residential setting, and such research has been recognized by the federal government, Gaume said; that is why the government, through the Americans with Disabilities Act, allows for treatment facilities to be set up in residential areas that aren’t originally zoned for them.

Common room inside the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility that will be used for group therapy, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Common room inside the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility that will be used for group therapy, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Area residents have expressed worry over the character of the people who will reside at the center. But Gaume said people who enroll in the facility will be there because they want to be, speaking to their desire to overcome their vices. However, she also said future residents of the home may be those who are ordered by the court to seek treatment. They are not assigned to a specific treatment center, but rather given a list of facilities to choose from, including Steps.

Gaume said that residents of the home will not be able to come and go as they please. Those in treatment are closely supervised and given full-day schedules of exercise, counseling and chores around the home.

As well, due to acts of vandalism against the home in October, the majority of the premises is under heavy camera surveillance.

Should a resident choose to leave, they are driven from the property into the city, away from the neighborhood. People who leave prematurely also forfeit any refunds they may expect to claim, as the treatment is paid for privately or through insurance, or a mixture of both.

The treatment program lasts up to 90 days, and also includes nights when the entire family of an addict is brought in for group counseling. The group counseling is intended to help family members better understand addiction, as well as build a stronger recovery for the patient.

“The family component of recovery is key,” Gaume said.

The facility is licensed to serve eight adult residents, both male and female. There are two beds in each room, with extra beds available in case a resident is sick or there is an uneven number of men and women being treated at the home. Staff, many of whom have their own personal experiences with addiction, are on hand 24 hours a day.

Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Steps Recovery also maintains a facility at 1085 Bluff St. in St. George that offers free counseling to individuals and families dealing with addiction every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

What next?

The home will officially open on Monday and already has some people enrolled in the program, Gaume said.

As for the protestors, their disapproval of the facility remains. “Just because they want to manipulate a well-intended law doesn’t mean we as a community need to support it,” the statement read.

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Twitter: @MoriKessler

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Bloomington residents protests the Steps Recovery drug and alcohol treatment facility opening in their neighborhood, St. George, Utah, Jan. 11, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

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95 Comments

  • Tom January 11, 2014 at 6:55 pm

    You people are a disgrace. I bet most of you are sacreligious, I mean religious, but you obviously don’t treat people as you are taught on Sunday. The people that will be in this place are at least bettering themselves. Which is not something any of you are doing.

    • Xhojn June 30, 2014 at 3:12 pm

      Would you like this in your neighborhood? Perhaps you should speak with the parents who have their children playing outside near one of these centers which is filled with people who’ve shot, smoked, and snorted various drugs for a high. I’m not saying that even half of these people are bad, but there are those select few who’d be walking out and trying to sell drugs to those parents’ children. H…*, the place has already been vandalized. I’m all for these drug centers, but in a f……* neighborhood where children play? That is a HUGE lack of common sense.
      *Ed. ellipses

  • Dan Lester January 11, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    As a recovering alcoholic, I wish the best for my brothers and sisters in recovery. I’ve been clean and sober for almost 24 years, and thank all of those who helped me.

    As to doing business in a residential area, I’ll bet that at least some of the protesters and their neighbors are running some sort of home business: a little daycare or preschool, doing taxes, real estate, selling some horses, whatever.

  • Roy J January 11, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    I wonder if it would still be about money if the business was a nursing home instead of a rehab…or if it were an apartment complex. Those are also for profit, I think. Dude totally spent too much time on that first time to misspell totaly at the end of it! Nongrammatical ellipsis and indefinite articles abound!

    • Chris January 12, 2014 at 7:05 pm

      Neither a nursing home nor an apartment would be allowed in that neighborhood.

  • Brugh January 11, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    Is the golf course there in Bloomington not a business for profit? Last I knew, you had to pay to eat there, pay to swim there…and pay to golf there! What the difference? NOTHING! They’re worried about the “TYPE” of people that will be housed there and yet the place get vandalized. That’s like arguing the fact that dirt isn’t dirt! You protesters have some nerve to CLAIM your have some sort of RIGHT with what your saying…this was all NATIVE AMERICAN land…and to say you have some sort of right to say what belongs in where. You know what going to happen after a few years? NOTHING! Completely nothing…all your false worries and excuses, NOTHING. What you need to do is avert your attention to the crime in that neighborhood because word on the street is people there like to vandalize and mistreat property other than their own!

    • Chris January 12, 2014 at 7:08 pm

      There is most certainly a difference with the country club. It is not located on land zoned residential. The rehab center lot is zoned residential. Consult the city’s zoning map for confirmation.

  • Joel January 11, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    Doesn’t the bible say we should help those in need? Or something close to that? No, I didn’t say the book of Mormon. I’m not attacking any certain religion. But we all know how concentrated a certain religion is out here. I wonder how you protesters would react if Jesus asked you what the problem is here. These are people that need help. I’ve worked in residential treatment centers. And trust me, you guys are only making recovery harder. You disgust me with your hypocrisy. Help those in need as long as they pay the church right? To any addicts who may read this, stay strong. Your higher power, whatever it may be, will help you through it. And f*** all the haters.

    • Xhojn June 30, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      We should help people yes, but not at the expense of others. Why should the rehab center be in a neighborhood, it could be anywhere else BUT a neighborhood and I would be fine. Why is putting a whole bunch of meth heads near children and families okay with you?

  • Jerry R. January 11, 2014 at 8:10 pm

    What a bunch of loser crybabies these people are! It is hard to believe that they are so frightened by something they really do not understand. I think they should open two more of this type of facility in that neighborhood, as well as two or three of these “academies” for “wayward children.”
    Think I’ll by that lot and open a tavern at Sugar Leo and Belmont. I’ll call it “Cry Baby Inn, A Locals Only Joint!”

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 9:13 pm

      Right on…that’s a great mature answer. I am Not frightened by a rehab facility. I am shocked by people who do not care about other peoples rights being infringed by crafty people in Washington DC cramming their agendas on our rights! And we do have an academy as you call it for wayward children, they are called Foster homes,.

  • Nanook of the North January 11, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    I invite the person holding the “12 steps to ruining our neighborhoods” poster to actually attend a 12 step meeting, and then reconsider their offensive sign.

  • Al January 11, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    I live in Bloomington, it’s embarrassing to see the neighbors bring more attention to our area more than the facility. These people are hypocritics & miserable because they are married to fat cows and they shouldn’t protest because the majority of kids are going to end up going to enlist.

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 9:22 pm

      Are you for real? We are bringing attention because we are having our rights trampled by the same government supposedly protecting my rights as an American’ citizen, including a residence in a neighborhood we chose because it was zoned Single family residential.

  • this is stupid January 11, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    This whole argument is just ridiculous! I am not an addict, but I fully support those choosing to get their life back on track. Whats wrong with that? They program has stated it is monitored 24 hours a day, the people who will be in treatment wont be able to come and go as they please, neither will visitors. Let these people have a safe place to focus on their recovery, give them a loving kind enviroment so they can want get back to society and be treated as well as tge neighbors they had at this facility. What happened to lending a gelping hand? Or treatin others as you would want to be treated? Come on St. George!

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 9:39 pm

      We fully support addicts getting the tools they need to live productive lives and provide a safe life for their families. Why did Mr Jorgensen pick a single family residential neighborhood for his for profit business? Can’t he help his high class clientele in a residential type building in a multi family or commercially zoned area as well? My son was in a rehab in a commercially zoned area so does that mean he didn’t get the right type of rehab because it wasn’t in a ‘beautiful residential’ neighborhood? And, yes it cost it just the same, $50,000!!!! Imagine, great success in a commercially zoned area!
      It is monitored by cameras. These are adults and have the right to leave at any time. This is not a locked down facility. Only 1 person will be there at night. I feel really safe.

  • Darren Tyler January 11, 2014 at 10:30 pm

    Serious people!! Do you really have nothing better to so with your time. Some busy body house wives got together and exaggerated the situation to the max. I myself am a recovering addict. I have been clean since 2007, and I could only wish back then that st. George had an in house facility back then, instead they sent me, a drug addict, to prison. I needed help and had non available. I fully support what they are doing and everyone else should piss off

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 9:42 pm

      Congratulations on your sobriety. Mr Jorgensen would not allow you to his rehab. According to him, their clientele are high class and not court ordered, sorry but keep up the great recovery!

      • Anon January 14, 2014 at 9:23 pm

        Wow, aren’t you bitter. I doubt Mr. Jorgensen ever said his clients would be ‘high class’. Did you actually physically hear him say that or are you did you just assume that’s what he thinks? You sound like your butthurt because you didn’t get your way. Oh boo hoo, Life isn’t always fair. You do realize that this place is a RESIDENTIAL treatment center, emphasis on RESIDENTIAL. Clients live in a HOME like atmosphere while receiving treatment. It is not a hospital.

        • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 15, 2014 at 7:21 am

          Yes I heard him say that with another 100 people at the facility about 2 months after he purchased the property. It was the first Get to know us meeting he had letting us know what he was doing why he was and that he was LDS. So you enjoy throwing stones at people when you really don’t know the facts or the entire story.
          No life isn’t always fair but others don’t have to bully their way to get what they want ($$$$) at the expense and lying to others. This isn’t about helping addicts, it’s charging 8 – 10 thousand dollars a month to support the owners lifestyle.

          • Anon January 15, 2014 at 10:12 am

            “But others don’t have to bully their way to get what they want”

            But thats the thing. That is EXACTLY what your ‘side’ is doing. Examine YOUR actions. Think about the threats, the vandalism, the discrimination, the offensive signs, and the drama that YOUR side has produced. How is that not considered bullying? Seriously, how is any of that ok.

          • Anon January 15, 2014 at 10:14 am

            Oh and also $8-10,000 a month is still incredibly cheap. Like more than 60% discount. Most places like this charge $1,000 a DAY!

  • Some dude with past drug issues January 11, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    Are you kidding me? As a recovering alcoholic/addict i would like to formally express my opinion. … the declining property values, these protestors morals are declining faster. I guarantee the majority of these people weren’t ever thinking of selling their homes until the issue was brought up. They think that the types of people that are going to come through the program are low life scum, but the part their over looking is the types of people that will leave the home. The funny part is, there are probably more drug addict soccer moms in the neighborhood than patients that will ever come through the facility, yes abusing your prescription Ambien is addict too.
    Ed. ellipsis

  • Anon January 11, 2014 at 11:41 pm

    Bloomington: The only thing lowering your property values is actions of the people against this facility. All your vandalism, protests, threats, and discriminatory behaviors are proving that Bloomington is not a very friendly or neighborly place to live. Thankfully I live elsewhere and do not have surround myself with such incredibly hateful people as yourselves.

  • lds jackmormon January 12, 2014 at 12:04 am

    What if it had been a KFC? What then?

  • ok January 12, 2014 at 12:08 am

    Need a community attitude. Recovery?

  • Bob January 12, 2014 at 8:03 am

    I am aware of real estate gurus advertising investing in sober living homes because of the potential 25% ROI. It’s like this: I can buy a home and rent it to a family and maybe pocket a couple hundred extra dollars a month. Or I can buy a home, put 8 unrelated people in it, charge them 2,000 dollars a month. Of course running these homes has extra costs but the owners can stand to make a lot of money.

    These people need help but placing them in a neighborhood to live for 3 months is not fair to the neighborhood. People cannot live in an area for 3 months and leave and think that they will be apart of the community.

  • Bob January 12, 2014 at 8:08 am

    Many people are quick to judge this neighborhood. I expect that most people would have the same reaction as they have. Why is it ok to have a for profit business in the middle of a neighborhood? What about the increase in traffic? Increase in visitors? Parking? Why not be able to find a win win situation where the the sober recovery home is in a place where it can operate like the business it actually is?

  • Paul4 January 12, 2014 at 8:12 am

    It’s funny how most of the comments seem to be condemning this neighborhood. Do you think this is some sort of pro-Bono operation? Do the math, 8 separate people paying 2,000 a month. What a clever way to maximize rents.

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 14, 2014 at 7:12 pm

      It’s more like 8,000-10,000 per month! Do the math

    • Anon January 14, 2014 at 9:52 pm

      That’s actually extremely cheap. Most residential treatment facilities charge $1,000 a day.

  • Free Press January 12, 2014 at 8:18 am

    Why didn’t I think of this? I can buy a home, rent it to 8 people, and charge them a couple thousand a month.

    Sorry neighborhood, you have to agree to this so these guys can get an awesome return on their investment.

    Say all they want about just wanting to help people, there are other motives to this scam.

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 14, 2014 at 7:15 pm

      You are right. This is a for profit business marketed to Mr. Jorgensen!s high class clientele …he told 100 people this same thing

  • Community Organizer January 12, 2014 at 8:25 am

    I used to live in California where these places were popping up all over the place. Most of the places were a scheme to make more money on a home rental investment. I’m not saying that these folks are bad people but as with any business it’s about making money first and helping addicts (customers) second.

  • JAR January 12, 2014 at 9:33 am

    I have a question. A commerical operation in a residencial netghborhood problem? Someone correct me if I got my facts worng. But Is it not true, that the owners of a extra large mansion (right NEXT DOOR)to this treatment home) rent out that property with tennis courts, spa pool, etc. to well off folks as a ‘better than a hotel’ place to relax after playing golf, sightseeing the area, etc.? And do they have a business permit, per code to make money off the fat cats visitors? Just wondering.

  • Shannon B. January 12, 2014 at 10:22 am

    I’m an addict in long-term Recovery. This saddens me greatly. I’m alive today because of a residential treatment facility, here in St. George… almost 3 1/2 years clean and thriving. If some of these individuals would take the time to understand the disease, maybe they wouldn’t be so afraid. It’s not the drug use that is our problem….drug use is a symptom of our disease. We are born with an innate sense of insecurity and fear, we have to treat this, or we will fail in all aspects of our lives. Everyone deserves a chance at life, and believe me…this disease is life and death. “We find that we suffer from a disease, not a moral dilemma. We were critically ill, not hopelessly bad.”
    Basic Text pg. 16

    • Xhojn June 30, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      This is NOT a disease… who chose to do drugs? You did. Who kept using them? You did. This is called substance abuse, and you have no one to blame but yourself. I’m glad you go your life back on track, but putting a rehab center in the middle of a neighborhood is just poor common sense. You may have not been a bad person, but there are bad people in these centers, who come there to get their hands on more drugs during the detoxification phase and either abuse it or sell it to the members of the community, especially children.

  • DoubleTap January 12, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    Just goes to show all the hypocrisy and arrogance rampant in this community. You own it….live with it.

  • Barry Sanchez January 12, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    Dear so-called “supporters”,
    I live in Bloomington, across the street from where these junkies will be living. Ill have you know that since they have started renovating I have already found several hypodermic needles, crack rocks, and cannabis cigarette, I only expect the frequency to increase once the doors actually open. All of those who say that ‘this is something good for St. George’ and how ‘this is so Christ like’ obviously have never seen or talked to someone “recovering” from drug addictions. One is not cured, ask any alcoholic, it is something they are stricken with for the rest of their miserable lives. Please, if you are so “supportive and caring” of these things, open your house and and allow them to come be squatters where your children play and go to school.

    Remember members of the St. George community, Its all fun and games until the crime rate in Washington county skyrockets and YOUR tax dollars are paying to keep these low life’s comfortable in prison cells.

    -A Concerned Gentleman

    • Your neighbor January 12, 2014 at 10:28 pm

      Mr. Sanchez,
      I also live in Bloomington, am an active LDS member and care deeply for my family and neighbors. I also have a daughter who is a recovering addict, and I’m grateful daily for those who work with and support her through that process. Mostly I’m grateful for the Savior who accepts and heals ALL men as they turn to Him and strive to be obedient.

      My daughter is no more a “low-life” than I suppose you are…just a young person who made poor choices in spite of her upbringing…and her outlook on life is anything but miserable. In fact, she is full of hope and promise. If you saw her on the street you wouldn’t know she has had this problem or history, and would likely comment on her beauty and sparkling personality. I’ll bring her by for a visit if you’d like!

      Unfortunately, St. George is already a hot-bed for drug use and distribution (being on a major traffic-way through the Southern U.S.) and the bridges around Bloomington are some of the worst areas for dealing and use. There are already MANY individuals living in homes in our neighborhood who are battling this problem, but are not in the recovery process…and since no one is yet living in that facility, the items you are finding are proof that the problem already exists and is getting worse as you fear.

      I understand your trepidation, fear is often fueled by ignorance, but a little common sense should be aptly applied: drug addicts don’t congregate around treatment centers…there aren’t any drugs there!
      Your passion and energy is likely best directed at, first, becoming less ignorant, and second, working with officials to combat the larger problem.

      My wife and I actually looked at purchasing that house from the previous estate when we first moved to Bloomington. It was in need of tremendous work and was in danger of becoming an eyesore. We couldn’t see a possible way to make the investment because of the amount of work required to revive it. It is now remodeled and beautiful. I keep hearing statements concerning property values, but there isn’t a credible shred of evidence suggesting that a home of this kind has any negative affect on values…and in this case likely a positive one because of the improvements made.

      The only way you’d know there’s a “business” there is your neighbors standing out in front with signs…

      I hope this is helpful. Thanks so much for caring.

      • Xhojn June 30, 2014 at 3:25 pm

        You’re missing the point and nitpicking little stuff that he did wrong in the sentence! The point is that although most people are not bad people in these rehab centers, there’s always the bad apple in the bunch. Now… do you want a druggie to be around your children? Do as he says and invite one into your house, then make your opinion about this.

    • Anon January 13, 2014 at 1:38 am

      You, Sir, are incredibly arrogant and judgmental. Wouldn’t those hypodermic needles, crack rocks, and cannabis cigarettes be coming from your very own neighbors given that the center has not even opened yet? As I am writing this there are NO patients staying at this treatment center. Second, I question this sentence that you wrote: “it is something they are stricken with for the rest of their miserable lives.” Do you not understand that given the correct treatment and a desire to improve one’s self that many addicts can and will go on to live happy and productive lives. One is not confined to live a life of misery just because they have a disease. Finally, you can not predict the future. You do not have PROOF that the crime rate will skyrocket. If you do, I’d personally like to see your crystal ball.

      I challenge you take a class or even explore the research on addictions. You clearly have NO knowledge of what an addiction even is. Take a look at your family, close friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. Chances are that someone you know, and dare I say respect, is one of those ‘low lifes’ you’d rather see in rot in a jail cell. I hope that one day you will soften your heart and learn some respect for others.

    • Craig January 13, 2014 at 6:07 am

      @Barry…IF you really found the items you mentioned, did you call the police? Did you bring it to the attention of the facility’s management? I can’t imagine any user leaving perfectly good “crack rocks, and cannabis cigarette,” laying around. I find your tale highly suspicious.

    • Francis Pope January 13, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      Mr. Sanchez you make me want to throw up. You are lying through your teeth about finding any type of drug paraphernalia or dope that is related to this home. There will be a “special” place reserved for you and people like you, in the hereafter. Be sure of it.

      • Xhojn June 30, 2014 at 3:26 pm

        Where is your proof that he is lying?

  • SDH January 12, 2014 at 2:29 pm

    I will be the one to correct you….
    The home that sits next to this soon to be rehab facility has to follow all rules/laws by the city. Due to zone ordinances, the property is allowed 1 (yes, one) rental per month. Also, they hold a business license with the city.
    Funny how JAR would like to redirect attention to a non-issue.

    • J. Robertson January 12, 2014 at 11:07 pm

      SDH….No redirection intended. My point being was, if both residential businesses are operating within the law, the bad neighbors have no choice but to just live with it. If one of the business frequently violates the zoning ordinances, shut them down. As far as the real paranoid neighbors are concern, keep your camera battery charged and your Neighborhood Watch commander up to date.

  • Darren Tyler January 12, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    Hey Sanchez, you have no idea what you are talking about. Ignorant man, just ignorant. Addicts are stricken, but just like anything they can get better. It’s no different then your food addiction or your porn addiction or your … problem. Get it together and support mankind. Sounds like you are The miserable one
    Ed. ellipsis

    • Xhojn June 30, 2014 at 3:29 pm

      BUT WHY IN A NEIGHBORHOOD!? Why are you people all okay with this being in a neighborhood, rather than anywhere else? If it were somewhere away from where children play, I would be all for it.

  • Tom January 12, 2014 at 8:18 pm

    What does finding those things have to do with the people that will be living in the sober house? The place isnt open yet. Usually when any place is under construction or being renovated, squatters come and take advantage of the uninhabited place. It happens everywhere, all the time. It has nothing to do with what is being renovated for.

  • Roger January 13, 2014 at 5:58 am

    So nobody has moved in yet and you’ve already found needles, crack and marijuana cigarettes !! Wow, Sounds like you already have a problem in that neighborhood !!
    Whether you realize this or not, there is probably drug use already going on in your neighborhood. In fact, it’s going on in every neighborhood in this city and county! You probably have some closet alcoholics you talk to every day and soccer moms on pharmaceuticals to keep them from going “completely “crazy while racing kids around to various events. Many of the kids in the neighborhood have already tried drugs or are currently have early addiction problems. You just don’t know it yet.
    The neighbors need to relax and watch to activity going on here for a while. Chances are they won’t even notice anything different then any other home in that area. The people living there can’t leave, they’re under strict supervision, and are kicked out if rules are broken. It will end up being the only house in the area without drugs or alcohol on the property.
    As for comments made that property values are being lowered. The homes in that area are over 40 yrs old and in a flood plain. Been flooded several times already. What’s going to reverse that current situation?

  • Roberta January 13, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Kudos for people standing up for what they feel is right! We need more people like the people in Bloomington who aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves and for others!

    • Francis Pope January 13, 2014 at 2:35 pm

      These people are not standing up for “what they believe is right.” They have no concept of “right” or “wrong.” What they are is a bunch of ignorant, frightened people with much more money than common sense, and absolutely no moral compass.

      • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 9:46 pm

        Complete hogwash. You sir do not have the right to speak for us

        • Anon January 14, 2014 at 9:36 pm

          Ok, then can you explain the vandalism, the offensive protest signs, the threats, and all the drama your ‘side’ has created? Because from your post I gather that you think all of that is a perfectly reasonable way to problem solve. Regardless, of ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ you guys are making fools out of yourselves. You have made yourselves out to be woe-is-me, grade school bully’s who have nothing better to do than hate on others. You act like you’re the victim when in reality the victims are the people you are spewing so much hatred towards. If you had legitimate concerns about zoning laws and property values I would take your ‘side’ more seriously if you were respectful and negotiable. But that has not been the behavior displayed. Its like a bunch of whiny teens who didn’t get their way. So sad.

          • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 15, 2014 at 8:11 pm

            Vandalism was toilet paper in trees by kids…wow, and a cargo trailer had one of their signs messed up. The building was never touched or damaged. Heck many homes have been TPd. We are not the bullies. Jorgensen secretly purchased this property with the intent of expanding his for profit business, basically bullying us as a neighborhood into laying down and accepting his adjenda of operating a business in our neighborhood without care or concern to the people who have their single family homes next door. He pushed his way in and told us by his actions, I am here, I am doing what I want and I don’t care if you like it or not. Money is the driving force behind his actions….that was, is his first thought. Where am I spewing hate? Where do you see I am afraid of addicts? I am upset he is cramming this business down our throats. You haven’t talked to mr Jorgensen so you do not know all the facts…..or are you one of his former clients now working in the facility? At least the community knows about this place and the very real possibility many more are coming hopefully you will find out first hand.

          • Avatar photo Joyce Kuzmanic January 16, 2014 at 5:34 am

            Dear neighbor and anon:
            Here is our story on the vandalism:
            Bloomington recovery center suffers vandalism, threats; Payson recovery center hailed a ‘good neighbor’
            http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2013/10/22/mjf-bloomington-recovery-center-suffers-vandalism-threats-payson-recovery-center-hailed-a-good-neighbor/
            ST. GEORGE NEWS | STGnews.com
            Joyce Kuzmanic
            Editor in Chief

  • Neighbor of Commercial for Profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 10:58 am

    Sacreligious, un-Christian? No, my Lord taught us to Love thy Neighbor but not Love thy busines. Remember the story in the bible where our Lord turned over all the tables in ‘His Father’s House’? I support Rehab centers, 100% in the proper setting, not in a single family residential neighborhood. The owner, Mike Jorgensen told us the reason he is putting it in our neighborhood is because of the neighborhood has high end homes and we keep our homes well kept, it looks good on his advertisements for his ‘For Profit’ business. He was offered the chance to sell the home at a profit to himself to some in the neighborhood and was given viable options for relocation and he choose not to take the offer. Make no mistake, this is a for profit business. Mr. Jorgensen also told us there would be no court ordered clients, only ‘high class type, self pay’ clients. So to those who say we are bigots and non Christian, think about some of this and then ask yourselves, do you want a business next door to you with all the traffic it will bring? I have been in this neighborhood 21 years, we have CC&R we have to abide by which protects us. The Federal Government tells us otherwise. It doesn’t matter what the citizen wants, doesn’t matter where we chose to live and raise our children. This type of business is using the ADA to shove their ‘rights’ down our throats. These people are not disabled. Many made the wrong choice, some by injuries which caused them to become addicted. We realize that – most are decent people wanting to make a positive change. Great but there are other places for them to set up their business. It will come to your neighborhood soon. Jorgensen is looking for more homes in decent upgraded neighborhoods, not rundown ones!!!!!

  • Dan Lester January 13, 2014 at 11:34 am

    I wonder how the good citizen across the street even knew what a crack rock or a cannabis cigarette look like. Did he call the police? If I thought I’d found illegal substances on my property, I’d call the police. Plus, as others have pointed out, it wasn’t even occupied yet. My daughter was a meth addict for a number of years. We never enabled her. As recovering addicts we knew what it would take. For her it was two stretches in jail and treatment. She finally got it together, got treatment, and is now clean and sober, happily married, has two beautiful children, getting straight As in college, and soon will be working as a social worker. Residential treatment was her final step. She will still have to “pee in the cup” on command for a few more years if asked to do so by a Parole Officer. Can I GUARANTEE she won’t relapse? No. But I can’t guarantee we won’t have three feet of snow in St George tomorrow, either.

    As noted if you read the story, the people who are residents can’t leave, there is high security (not only on the residents but to catch any more Bloomington folks who might vandalize it again. And if any of the residents violate the rules they can be back in Purgatory or another facility in a heartbeat. There are MANY incentives for them to behave, and they wouldn’t be in a residential facility like this if they weren’t already well on the way to recovery. If property values were a big issue, I wouldn’t be putting yellow signs in my front yard. A prospective purchaser wouldn’t even know the facility was there if it weren’t for the big fuss and signs the residents have made. It looks just like another one of the “McMansions” that line Sugar Leo.

  • lds jackmormon January 13, 2014 at 12:48 pm

    Fact is none of us wants crack heads or businesses in our quiet neighborhoods. Basically it sucks for you guys and you’ll have to deal with it. Glad it’s not my problem.

  • Neighbor of Commercial for Profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    Dan Lester – we HAVE to disclose this business to any prospective buyer if we decide to sell our home and it will go something like this – Mr. and Mrs Smith, this is a great neighborhood, close to an elementary school and different churches, shopping close by and oh yes, there is a residential drug and alcohol facility just doors down. Don’t worry, these people just want to get help with their addictions and the owner of this for profit business guarantees us they are ‘high class’ addicts. Mr Smith asks if the facility is fenced, I answer, no, they are on the honor system. The property does back up to the Virgin River with access both ways because the property isn’t fenced but we have been told not to worry, these are only high class addicts. Mr. Smith asks if any of the addicts are court ordered? No, the owner Mr. Jorgensen told us at a neighborhood group meeting, none of his clients will have court involvement. My thought, I guess they will wake up one day and decide it is a great day to check into rehab. Another question, ‘how close is this facility to the public school’? Answer, 1/2 mile. Mrs. Smith tells us they have 3 children that would be attending that school and walking or riding their bikes right past that non-locked down facility. I tell them the owner promised his clients would only be ‘high class’ clients and on the honor system not to walk out. They turn around and walk back to their vehicle after laughing at the promises we were told.
    Mr. Jorgensen also told us when asked if he would want this facility in his neighborhood, NO he wouldn’t. He said this in the same neighborhood meeting with about 100 people there as wittness.
    Is it a crime not to want a for profit Drug and Alcohol Rehab facility next door? Is it a crime that we as a neighborhood have kept our properties well groomed? Not all residences on Sugar Leo are ‘McMansions’ as you say. Whether it is a home on Sugar Leo or a home on Dixie Downs, it doesn’t matter. What matters is we as citizens do not have rights to the zonning laws where we purchase our homes. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are NOT disabled. A very crafty attorney found a loop hole and the ADA now includes addicts. We should have the choice when deciding where to live and bring up our children and that the zoning laws will stand firm until there is a vote or process where the citizens effected have a voice. This was not done and Mr. Jorgensen is taking advantage of the ADA to make tons of money off his addicted clients and at our expense. It’s not we are against addicts to gain the tools to lead productive lives but there is a better location, multiple family reaidential areas or commercially zoned locations for Mr. Jorgensen to make a profit. We are not the bigoted ones as some have said we are – it is Mr. Jorgensen – he is the one who said he put the facility on Sugar Leo because his pictures of the neighborhood would attract ‘high class’ clients and not, let’s say on the ‘other side’ of town. Those are his words.

    • lds jackmormon January 13, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      On a more positive note, at least it isn’t a treatment center for recovering pedophiles 🙂

      • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 13, 2014 at 9:49 pm

        Mr. Jorgensen’s brother does run the center for pedophiles in the Ledges. Both siblings know how to make a $ on those less fortunate.

    • Francis Pope January 13, 2014 at 2:41 pm

      I am willing to be that the residents of that facility will all have far more “class” than you will ever hope to have. So go ahead, keep on with your sniveling and whining. It just shows you to be the bigoted, self-centered jerk that you are.

      • Kudos January 13, 2014 at 5:37 pm

        As stated earlier, it’s coming to a neighborhood near you, maybe even yours, so embrace it all you want when it gets there. Calling the current residents names is not doing a bit of good. Time will tell. Then we will see how you react when all of this lieing and cheating comes to your neighborhood. It’s not about the residents of this facility but about the lieing and cheating and greedyness, which is very unfortunate. Good information, Neighbor. I was highly enlightened. Just more of the same stuff that goes on as our own government. And what doesn’t surprise me? The hatred I feel from the folks who are not even involved, safely tucked away in their own neighborhoods, spewing names at the folks who are affected by this.

        • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 14, 2014 at 7:28 pm

          Thanks kudos…amazing how really uninformed unaffected people can spew misinformation and show just how ignorant they can be about issues in other neighborhoods, maybe even countries , from the safety of their own homes.

        • Anon January 14, 2014 at 10:00 pm

          Honestly, if one of these treatment centers came to my neighborhood I would welcome it with open arms. In fact, I would probably even work there. I am all for the betterment of the human race while you apparently are not.

    • Anon January 14, 2014 at 9:49 pm

      If you are so upset with the zoning laws and the government than you should probably move to another country. No one is forcing you stay here. You have a lot of conspiracy theories. Do you have any actual proof that Mr. Jorgensen said these things? Or proof that these so-called ‘loop holes’ exist? Also, the ADA SHOULD include addicts. It is a legitimate mental illness (There are various DSM codes for substance use disorders) and to not include it would be outright discrimination. Aka YOU are being highly discriminatory. Again, not helping your cause (IE: making you look like a grade school bully). Also, are you seriously more worried about your property value than the fact that addiction is a deadly illness. This RESIDENCE will save many, many lives and your worried about your PROPERTY VALUES. I think you have highly misplaced priorities.

      • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 15, 2014 at 7:41 am

        YES there was 100 other people who heard Mr Mike Jorgensen say High Class Clients, self paying clients…….I believe one taped that meeting….why do you think after everything he told us and the way he has told us and done things we are upset? Addiction is NOT a disability! Of course there are a lot of people addicted in this state to Pepsi, coke, tab, dr. Pepper, ice cream, jello, depression meds because of all the children they have and the expected perfection of their family for all to see……maybe the whole state of Utah should be put on the ADA list then those who make 25,000 a year can purchase a home for 500,000 even tho logically they can’t afford it but they fall under the ADA rules, can’t deny them what they want.

        • Anon January 15, 2014 at 10:39 am

          Ok, now you are just being plain offensive and ridiculous. I’m not going to engage with you anymore because the more I do the more hatred and ignorance you spew. You seriously need to educate yourself on addiction. How can you sit their and argue this stuff when its beyond obvious that you have very little understanding of what it means to be addicted to something so severely that it effects every area of your life? If you even had a tiny bit of knowledge on addiction you would realize just how offensive, hurtful, and discriminatory you are being. Shame on you!

          • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 15, 2014 at 8:34 pm

            Sweetheart, I know about addiction. I don’t hate addicts and am not afraid of addicts. I know of the despair of their friends and families. I have seems 100’s of children’s tears falling down their faces wondering why they can’t go home with mommy and daddy. Parent wondering what they could have done differently. I have seen too many young die needlessly because of that last fix. Don’t pretend to tell me what you think I am feeling or have or have not experienced first hand.
            I am passionate about what is being shoved down our throats by men using the power of the Federal Government to get what they want.

          • Seriously January 16, 2014 at 1:38 pm

            So if you’re not afraid of addicts, then you’re first concern is definitely about the cost of your home. I think saving people’s lives, which this facility will do, is far greater than anything you could ever sell your home for. Is your child’s life worth more than your home to you? I would sure hope so. If you’ve lived there for over 21 yeas, why are you worrying about trying to sell now anyway?

  • JAR January 13, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    This discussion on ‘what to avoid’ when planning to make a bundle in the residential real estate market, VS. What one can do to assists these little crack heads who need our love & help, got me thinking……
    With a little zoning research and ‘favorable winks’ from a few ‘Good Ole Boys downtown, Why not block off the whole damn street and convert all the houses on Sugar Leo to upscale treatment centers or Section 8
    housing? RIGHT ON DUDE!

  • Dan Lester January 13, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    No, it is not a crime to be unhappy. It is not a crime to dislike various laws and regulations, whether state, local, or federal. I think the TSA Charade at the airports is stupid and make-work. But I can either accept it or try to get the laws changed. The unhappy folks of Sugar Leo and area could focus on trying to get things changed in Congress or in other Washington agencies. Any one of us can do that. If the state and local officials say their hands are tied, I believe them, and fussing at them probably will be useless.

    As to disclosure on selling, if you have to you have to. But if you’re good neighbors and quit marketing disaster it won’t be much of an issue. The yellow signs are like signs saying “nuclear waste disposal area”. If you want to lower your property values even more (assuming they even are), advertise how crappy everything is in your neighborhood. And I still haven’t seen any “for sale” signs, so property values are like the values of your investments in the stock market. Up and down. Things change.

    Grow up and deal with it.

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 14, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      You say all this from the safety of your own little home ….we have talked to our representatives in Washington DC and SLC. There is a loophole…again, addicts are NOT disabled! Mr Jorgensen is using that loophole to make a ton of money off these addicts….he doesn’t want it in his neighborhood in Washington Fields….he also told us our property values would be-effected from 10 – 15%. His brother has had several violations with his sexual predator facility in Ledges….lies, deceit , we are to keep silent? I bet if it would be reversed, you would have a thing or two to say and it wouldn’t be all positive!

  • Tom January 13, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    Have any of you naysayers looked up studies on whether or not a facility like this decreases property values? Its quite telling that your first concern is for your property values. You would think that it would be safety that should be thought of first and foremost. One more thing, there is no loophole that a lawyer used. Addiction is now recognized as an illness. People with illnesses seek treatment. At least they do not suffer from righteous indignation. That is quite often incurable.

    • Chris January 14, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      Yes, the naysayers have indeed seen the studies, and the studies show definitively that property values do decline in neighborhoods that house drug rehab facilities. Try doing a little research yourself, Tom. Addiction is as much an illness as stupidity is.

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 14, 2014 at 7:55 pm

      I have the flu, does that mean I am disabled? My friend smokes, is he disabled? Does that mean they fall under the ADA? Our first concern is NOT the value of our homes .. Can you not comprehend what is being written or do you have selective comprehension ? This for profit is being crammed down our throats by a person who is putting his large scale for profit business with all the traffic it brings using more than their fare share of utilities a single family would use in a single residential zone neighborhood, we have the right to expect when we purchase a home zoned single residential it will be that way and if there is a change, we have a say in what and why. Yes we have concerns about safety as this business is using Walmart type cameras. We have concerns it is 1/2 mile from Bloomington Elem. We have concerns clients are adult and have the right to walk out if they choose to. We have concerns the property is NOT fenced and backs to the Virgin River. So before you sit in your safe home throwing rocks, consider we might have a lot of legitimate concerns

  • Willy Wonka January 14, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    When Utah legalizes medical marijuana, I will be opening a shop for selling marijuana in Mr. Jorgensen’s neighborhood. Since people have chronic headache’s and insomnia, this should count as a disability. The shop can be opened in his neighborhood I will be helping people with a disability and making money in the process. Federal aw says that I can do this because these people are disabled, and my business will be protected by the American Disabilities Act.

    • Anon January 14, 2014 at 10:02 pm

      Utah will never legalize marijuana so you have a moot point.

      • Willy Wonka January 15, 2014 at 3:56 pm

        They had same sex marriage before most states. So I am planning on it.

  • Brian January 14, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    The residents unhappy in that neighborhood should do their due diligence before drawing conclusions. I’m all for the right to protest but what they are saying on those sign’s and the comments made here are false. Addiction isn’t a choice and an addict in the mist of an addiction is disabled. Could you imagine anyone actually choosing to be an addict? Wake up one day and say “hey I want pain and suffering for myself and loved ones'” It’s like saying someone would choose to have cancer! Cancer can derive from smoking, bad diet, genetics etc. nobody I know who suggest cancer isn’t disabling. Yet addiction starts from similar items. These are physically and mentally sick people aka disabled.
    Learn about treatment centers, learn about addiction, learn about who gets addicted, talk to someone who has gone through a program. I believe many in that neighborhood would have a change of tone while dealing with this matter if they were educated. It might not change everyone’s mind but I’m sure respect would be shown and civility could happen. As of now most of those people in that neighborhood sound hateful and uneducated.

    • Neighbor of Commercial for profit business in Bloomington January 14, 2014 at 8:07 pm

      Brian, I work with ‘those’ people daily and have for decades. I also paid 10’s of thousands of dollars sending a family to a residential facility in a commercially zoned area. This family member has been drug free for 10 years plus and is a productive member in society. Sending this person to a commercially zoned facility seems to mean by some of these people making comments is not the right place…has to be in a family residential home type facility . BS……the loophole adding addicts as disabled is being used by money hungry people making fortunes off the backs of addicts disregarding anyone’s concerns when they move into a neighborhood. It’s all about the owners profit margin not anyone’s success, that’s an incentive but not the main concern…it’s achieving the owners next level of income status, more toys, golf, vacations etc.

      • Seriously January 15, 2014 at 9:46 pm

        Why don’t you go focus your time on what really matters, spending time with your family and service instead of responding to everyone who is in support of this facility with some snide comments. Go talk with your child who is STILL recovering, go to AA meetings, go garden in your home that you’ve lived in for over 21 years and focus on bringing yourself and your family to be better people. I feel that from all your posts about your recovering child that you should understand the caring, secure facility that recovering addicts need. If you knew Mike at all you would know how deeply he cares for others, whether he knows them or not. Of course he’s trying to make a profit! He needs to have a living. Just like your husband does while you sit and comment on news articles you’re peeved over. Quoting him out of context is really lame and is honestly gossip. Shame on you. I pray that you find comfort in the way you are acting.

  • Aaron Tippetts ( Utahs Underbelly) January 15, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    This article brings back fond memories for me. Memories of lighting up a big fat one and just driving through your rich Bloomington neighborhoods, No regrets. I can only hope to bring your property values down in the next 10 years, or wait around for the next housing crash so I can afford to retire right next door to you and your grandchildren.
    Don’t cry for me Bloomington. I’ll have years of sobriety under my belt when that day comes. After all there is plenty of treatment facilities around.

    • Willy Wonka January 15, 2014 at 5:52 pm

      Is this the same Aaron Tippetts that received a restraining order for stalking one of your past drug therapist’s. I have read about he incident on line.

      • Aaron Tippetts ( Utahs Underbelly) January 16, 2014 at 11:39 am

        Oh my! Willy Wonka.. That is another fond memory of mine. Such a pity that councilor had to lose her license. Ethics violations, I believe it was. Good times though. Of cours it was that very councilor who used to say” Let he who is without sin get stoned first”. ..or something like that.

        • Willy Wonka January 16, 2014 at 2:38 pm

          Just one more reason why Bloomington does not want a facility such as this in the neighborhood.

  • Jimmy January 16, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    This ongoing saga reminds me of back when the Wal-Mart wanted to locate in Gloomington. Wowser, what a fight that was from the residents there.

  • Tsuya January 16, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    Why do so many people in Bloomington protest? Is there something in the water out there? Several times I’ve heard tales of people being harassed at the entrance to the BLM land out there by protesters who wish to stop illegal dumping. Has it improved anything? No, it just creates more tension. You want to help, put down the sign and pick up some trash. Our neighborhoods are only as good as WE choose to make them! Expressing an opinion and is a right, so are your feelings etc but instead of peeing in the wind so to speak why don’t you do something that will improve the area in which you live? Find out if there is anything you can do to help support those receiving treatment because although you may see them as an undesirable neighbor the flip side of that coin (and it’s a nice one) is that they see you as desirable neighbors so don’t prove them wrong. And as for the LDS among you, shame! Welcome them with the love your religion teaches you to have, the understanding, the charity, the true spirit of Christ. He wouldn’t have protested this place he probably would have said “suffer them to come unto me” and he probably would have healed these people. While you may not be able to perform a miracle like Christ you can still be the blessing someone like this needs and has never had. These are your brothers and sisters in God and they are crying out in pain for help. Are you capable and willing of being a good Samaritan or are you more worried about money and aesthetics?

  • Bryan Adamson January 17, 2014 at 10:23 am

    Dear All,

    I think that most of the argument is missing the mark. Neighbors are being judgmental in calling drug users “miserable” and “Loser” This is the very definition of non-Christlike. Those who have committed no sin should be the first to call names from the comfort of their glass house. That being said, a neighborhood is not a place for a business. Similar ideas of putting a business in a residential neighborhood have been fought. For instance a prospective funeral home was recently run out of a local neighborhood. A Maverick or KFC or even an apartment complex would meet with the same resistance.

    Another misnomer is that St. George needs this facility. This is simply not true. There are other facilities in town with empty beds. In fact, at least one business owner I spoke with is struggling due to lack of business. It does not matter if we have too many or not enough facilities. The complaint from the Bloomington residents is “location”. All other arguments or discussions are simply red herrings. Arguing that other soccer moms are addicts or running a day care is the type of debate that that is purely emotional and makes no real contribution to the discussion. The question is “Should a business be allowed to open up in a neighborhood?” The answer, throughout history is clearly “no”. However, through some judicial legislation, drug rehabilitation has now become a “disability”. (Don’t get me started on the comparison of a veteran in a wheelchair to a drug addict.) With that, this business now has a loophole wherein the owner can “use” the law for the disabled to line his pockets to the obvious detriment of the home owners in the area. To own property, and especially a home, is one of the most prized gifts of the freedom we enjoy in this country. Therefore, it is logical that the local owners (including myself) would want to protect that right and their investment. Many people will or have retired in this area. They chose this neighborhood for reasons important to them. To allow a greedy business owner (who bought a home across town and has admitted that he would not want his own facility in his neighborhood) to somehow become the white knight in this situation is disturbing. Mr. Jorgenson is a profiteer. Kudos to him. However, when you attempt to earn profit at the direct expense of those around you, you are morally wrong. Period. Now, as with many laws, we must re-align the law so that it matches what is right and not what is profitable.

    The business (we assume) offers a good service. Less drug addicts = a better community. We simply ask that you put this business where businesses belong.

    • Tsuya January 17, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      Well said! I completely agree that businesses don’t belong in residential areas and if a residential treatment center functions better in a residential type area then it’s time for a new zoning code to create something that will work for these people without disrupting a neighborhood.That’s my thought anyway. But all the fighting and mean spiritedness is ugly.

  • Granny June 22, 2014 at 8:22 am

    I have read most of the comments and though its a great thing that there are places for drug and alcohol addicts to receive treatment I really don’t want to live across the street from one. I really doubt any of you would either. There is one supposedly coming to my neighborhood, I’m worried about privacy and security, my granddaughter worked in a group home for addiction. She quit because she was afraid for her life, the woman was violent at times. Do any of you have any statistics on the effects of neighborhoods with treatment centers?

  • Mclain October 4, 2014 at 12:12 am

    I am a recovering addict and went to a residential treatment center and without it I would probably be dead or in jail. The facility helped save my life and for those who are worried about none court ordered people going I wasn’t court ordered when I went, I went to save my life. Because addiction IS A DISEASE it is medically recognized as one and it is not a choice there is a specific 10% of the overall population that has this disease and some of us do have a desire to change our lives for the better and return to being active productive members of society. And speaking as a former active drug addict there is no way that an addict would leave a perfectly good crack rock , joint or rig/insulin needle lying around. And if these things were found before the treatment center has been started its obvious that the neighborhood already as an issue. Hate to break it to you but a vast majority of the people I was in treatment with were just like everyone else they had jobs, homes and families and most of theu neighbors had no clue to the fact that they had this disease.And these treatment facilities are closely monitored coming in all of your possessions, clothing and bags are searched. All of your incoming mail is checked. You are drug tested atleast twice a week. And if you fail twice you are subject to possible discharge or a sort of house arrest situation in the facility. And these are completely drug free and alcohol free centers
    Even the staff are subject to similar drug and alcohol testing. These treatment centers are some of the most amazing things out there for an addict who wants to save their lives they offer detox help as well as therapeutic counciling, family education programs to help the addicts family better understand the nature if the disease and help give better support for them when they return to life after treatment. Most of these people are wonderful generous human beings who are just caught in the grips of a life and death disease. You wouldnt begrudge a cancer patient for getting treatment residential or otherwise so why would you do so to an addict also in the grip of a deadly disease.

  • wayneshrt April 22, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    I read some of these comments and consider most of your comments rude and selfish. Many are making fun of other’s religions, which is childish and ignorant. Our nation was founded on freedoms and each of us are to support the other’s freedoms. You have the freedom to comment and show stupidity and they have the freedom to protest.
    As for the treatment center I am not fully aware of where it is located as to residential of family places; but although people getting help is good and they have good motives it does not mean everyone going to the place is “good”. There are many that have court appointed visits and they are scum. they only go to get out of jail. Some people that go may have other issues like stealing, fighting, sexual abuse, or other violence.
    If one of these offends or abuses a child within the area of their treatment center is it still OK. The stats would be low for issues; but what if it was your child, or girlfriend, or … I see many nay-sayers commenting and calling people stupid,dumb, and other names while making fun of religion. All because you have the freedom and ignorance to comment on it, this doesn’t mean there is no God, it simply means you don’t have one.
    Lastly comparing a center (where the majority are good people with a problem and a few bad apples) to KFC or a candy store is the dumbest comparison I have ever heard. I guess you don’t understand the statement “apples and oranges”. You can see how it sounds when you say kids go to game store, cancer patients go to a medical center, and and honest people (people with money to buy) go to buy stuff at a store. (I also think cancer patients usually don’t commit crimes)
    Now who goes to treatment centers that the court forces…hmm..(not including the good people), crack addicts, meth heads, and felony related criminals… I have found that if someone is a thief or violent they usually stay a thief or violent. All it takes is ONE to hurt someone or commit more crimes. Criminal oriented treatment centers would not hurt anybody by being in more deserted places.

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