Pubdate: Tue, 23 Dec 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, The Sun News
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

JUDGE: CLINIC CAN OPEN, FOR NOW

Center of Hope May Operate Pending Zoning Decision

A judge ordered Horry County to allow a methadone clinic to open, pending a 
zoning board meeting to decide whether to rescind approval of the Center of 
Hope clinic.

The order from Circuit Judge John Breeden, filed Monday, will allow the 
clinic to operate until at least Jan. 22, when the county's Board of 
Adjustments and Zoning Appeals decides the clinic's fate.

County attorney John Weaver said the county would lift its order immediately.

The hearing, originally set for Jan. 12, was moved to accommodate the 
clinic's attorney, who had a conflict. Also, the county expects so many 
people to attend the hearing that a special meeting is needed, according to 
county spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier.

The clinic's directors are pleased with Breeden's order, according to 
attorney Reynolds Williams, who argued that the county has no right to 
quash the clinic 17 months after approving its plans.

The clinic, on George Bishop Parkway near Fantasy Harbour, is now screening 
patients.

The clinic has a business license and the required state and federal permits.

Methadone is an addictive narcotic used in the treatment of addiction to 
heroin, OxyContin, morphine and other opiates.

Opponents of Center of Hope argue the clinic will bring drugs and crime to 
the area.

Clinic directors say it will provide a vital service to local residents 
trying to beat their addictions.

The zoning board approved the clinic in July 2002. In October, as the 
clinic prepared to open, local uproar prompted S.C. Rep. Thad Viers to ask 
the county to reconsider.

After beating a legal challenge from the clinic, the zoning board voted to 
reconsider.

The county then ordered the methadone clinic to close pending the new 
hearing, which the clinic again challenged before Breeden.

In his ruling, Breeden said the county does not have the power to block a 
business operating with county approval.

Williams said he hopes the zoning board takes into account the judge's 
opinion when it meets next month.

"It's simple fairness," Williams said. "You can't give us permission to do 
something and then take it away."

Viers said he respectfully disagrees with Breeden's ruling.

"This puts the county in an awful position," Viers said. "It opens a 
Pandora's box. It's much easier to stop something from opening than it is 
to stop something once it's already doing business."

He said the zoning board hearing should be made into a special meeting, but 
he questioned the rescheduling, speculating that it was purposefully moved 
to a date when he would be unavailable. The General Assembly will be in 
session Jan. 22, and Viers said it will be difficult for him to make the 
meeting. He said he may ask the county to reschedule the meeting again.

"It's deliberate," he said. "Why put it on a Thursday night when the lead 
person who started the ball rolling can't make it?"

Williams said he did not specify a date when he asked the county to 
reschedule the meeting.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager