"I am opposed to the proposed rezoning for a drug and alcohol treatment center to be located on 22.5 acres of property on Ga Hwy 20 for several reasons- none of which have to do with my thinking this will be a residence for "drug crazed" teenagers"...
I am opposed to the proposed rezoning for a drug and alcohol treatment center to be located on 22.5 acres of property on Ga. Hwy. 20 for several reasons--none of which have to do with my thinking this will be a residence for "drug crazed" teenagers.
I have been involved in numerous meetings with the Caron Foundation representatives proposing this facility and believe there have been a variety of misrepresentations presented to the community to date. I also put forth the time and effort to travel to Caron's current location in Wernersville, Pa. in an effort to remain objective and see first-hand what Caron does, as well as determine whether the area proposed is similar in composition.
Let me start by saying Caron’s Treatment centers are well-known reputable facilities- remember they are a business, and thus have an objective to get this facility in the proposed location. In part, this is due to the fact the site has a building suitable to their needs- they can begin generating income at a rate of $12,000 per month per resident almost as soon as the zoning application is approved. Caron seeks a facility for 40, with plans to potentially increase to 80 adolescents between the ages of 14-19.
Caron talks about scholarship monies disbursed to needy families. Per Caron, these constitute 9% of income generated and range between 15-55% “depending on their financial need and funds available.” At best, this would leave a balance of $5,400-$10,200 per month for the patient's family to pay.
The current Caron facility is located on 300 acres, approximately half which is buildable land in a picturesque area of Pennsylvania on the top of a mountainside. While there are some residences nearby- the demographics are grossly different than those in Forsyth County (just as several hundreds of acres is grossly different from 22.5).
These kids have issues and deserve help. However, adolescence is a challenging enough time -- having raised 2 teenagers myself -- and it is difficult to believe these youth have had an epiphany that they need to get into a $12,000 per month facility to find their way in life. It is more likely their parents are desperately seeking guidance and support and/or their children are required by the courts to seek assistance versus suffer legal repercussions.
The Caron Georgia site is proposed to abut a well-established community church and cemetery and local businesses and would be within 1/2 mile of Sawnee Primary and Elementary Schools. This is a grossly different setting than the one in Pennsylvania. Caron has been forthright in stating while the day is very structured with activities, IF a patient left the facility they would not be brought back involuntary. These troubled youth are then in the community from all over the country with no financial means to return home. The majority in the community who have expressed opinions hold to the fact that one troubled teen seeking a way to return home and/or with plans to return to drug use would have ready access to a car, homes and monies- (in particular should they come in contact with a community resident unable to defend themselves).
In response to assisting youth in the surrounding Forsyth community...there is no doubt that we have a drug issue in the county. Caron plans to charge $12,000 per month per resident. As a Forsyth County resident, this is not a facility I could afford to send my youngsters to should they require assistance. I question how many Forsyth residents could, with an average median household income in Forsyth County of $68,890 (2000 U.S. census data). In reviewing the number of residents attending the program in Pennsylvania over a 12 month period, 21% were from Pennsylvania. The vast majority of the patients, 79%, were from outside the state (per Caron’s response to the question).
The idea that Caron will provide a safe haven for the youth of Georgia, let alone the youth of Forsyth County is completely unfounded. Again, refer to the percentage of Pennsylvania residents that attended the program in a 12-month period, let alone the number from the county in which the facility is housed.
Yes, these youth deserve another chance -- everyone does -- but let's focus on assisting Caron in finding a more appropriate location for such a treatment facility comparable to their existing site in Wernersville. Let’s not even have to think about potential “lock-downs” in our Forsyth elementary and primary schools because we are uncertain of the location of a troubled teen.
Let’s allow folks who have lived in their homes for decades, attended church and visited their loved ones in privacy and with dignity after death to continue to do so with a sense of security.
Susan K Regan