Pubdate: Wed, 15 Oct 2003
Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Copyright: 2003 Sun Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/987
Note: apparent 150 word limit on LTEs
Author: David Klepper

METHADONE BOARD ASKED TO RETHINK CLINIC

Viers: 'I Don't Want This Thing'

An estimated 200 addicts from the area now travel to clinics in Columbia, 
Charleston and Wilmington, N.C. _ many of them daily -- to get methadone.

S.C. Rep. Thad Viers has asked Horry County to reconsider its approval of a 
methadone clinic set to open soon in Fantasy Harbour.

The county's Board of Adjustments and Zoning Appeals will decide whether to 
reconsider its approval.

"I don't want this thing in my district, or my county," Viers said.

The board can grant or deny Viers' request. If the board votes to 
reconsider its decision, the hearings will be public.

Viers and many residents worry the clinic, called Center of Hope of Myrtle 
Beach, will bring drugs, addicts and crime to the area. The for-profit 
center will be the county's first methadone clinic.

Center of Hope officials, which include addiction counselors and a doctor, 
say the clinic will meet a growing need. An estimated 200 addicts from the 
area now travel to clinics in Columbia, Charleston and Wilmington, N.C. - 
many of them daily - to get methadone.

"[Horry County] had the highest single growth in OxyContin sales in one 
year," said Kirk Parker, a member of the group working to open Center of 
Hope. "We know that our program is very much needed in Horry County."

The clinic needs state permits to open. It already has a business license 
and hopes to open before Christmas.

At issue is whether the board properly discussed the clinic's proximity to 
Bridgewater Academy, a charter school, and nearby homes at River Oaks. The 
board waived county rules requiring methadone clinics to be 2,000 feet or 
more from a house of worship, home or school. The clinic is less than 2,000 
feet from Bridgewater Academy and River Oaks.

Even though the board can waive the 2,000-foot rule, Viers said the board 
should have made the waiver official as part of its approval.

The county is reviewing the July 2002 meeting minutes on the clinic 
approval. They the board discussed River Oaks. Board member Carl Franklin, 
who voted against the clinic, said the clinic's location was debated.

County Zoning Administrator Roland Meyer said, "Our concern is following 
procedure, and we followed procedure."

Anyone can ask the board to reconsider a decision. The request carries a 
$100 fee, which Viers paid.

If the board reconsiders and rejects the clinic, the clinic could sue and 
ask the courts to decide.

"They're going to get sued one way or the other," Viers said. "Who do they 
want to get sued by: A methadone clinic, or residents, schools and churches?"
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman