Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jan 2004
Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Copyright: 2004 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 CLINIC TO STAY

Center Of Hope Has Right To Operate, Board Says

Horry County's zoning board upheld its approval of the county's first 
methadone clinic, over the outcry of residents who called on the board to 
shut it down.

The decision ensures that the Center of Hope clinic will continue to 
operate near Fantasy Harbour. The vote also ends a months-long dispute over 
the value of methadone treatment and county zoning rules that allow a 
clinic to open about half a mile from a school.

The clinic has been open about a month and is already treating 51 clients 
with methadone. Methadone is an addictive opiate used to treat addiction to 
OxyContin, heroin and other narcotics.

After five hours of listening to both sides of the dispute, the county's 
Board of Adjustments and Zoning Appeals voted 4 to 1 to stand by its July 
2002 approval of the clinic.

"The people of Horry County should be proud of what the zoning board did," 
said Reynolds Williams, the clinic's attorney. "That was not an easy 
decision to make. What they did took guts."

As they left Thursday's hearing, several parents of children who attend the 
nearby Bridgewater Academy charter school criticized the ruling. They had 
argued that the clinic could attract drugs and criminals to the area.

"I'd like [the board] to come to school and explain to the children why 
they let this happen," said Dana Crook, whose 6-year-old son attends the 
school.

S.C. Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, who led the protest against the 
clinic, said the board ignored the concerns of its constituents.

"I would not be surprised if they were replaced very quickly," Viers said 
of the four board members who voted to allow the clinic to operate. Board 
member Carl Franklin voted against the clinic.

Board members said their decision was based on the law. They said they 
understand the concerns of residents opposed to the clinic but that the 
clinic had a right to operate.

Board members said they didn't hear any evidence that the clinic would lead 
to more crime in the area. They said questions of methadone's value as a 
treatment to addiction are best left to state health officials, who 
regulate methadone treatment.

"This board doesn't have the capabilities of determining whether or not 
methadone is a viable treatment," said board member Bill Prince.

Thursday's long meeting was largely peaceful, perhaps because sheriff's 
deputies stood ready to remove anyone who disrupted the meeting.

At a hearing last month when the board voted to reconsider its approval of 
the clinic, several people opposed to the clinic yelled at clinic supporters.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens