PHOENIX DROPS REZONING REQUEST

The operator of a recovery house pulled the plug on his own project Monday,
citing a need to work more closely with the community.

Michael Wilson, who runs a 10-bed recovery home in Newton, abandoned a
rezoning application at a public hearing Monday, saying the public has lost
trust in social services providers.

Wilson, executive director of Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and
Education Society, told council he needs to attend to divisive issues
within the community.

Last week, city council approved a 68-bed homeless shelter complex at 6595
King George Hwy. despite overwhelming public opposition.

The homeless shelter is within a block of Phoenix House.

"The only acceptable alternative is to remove the (Phoenix) application
completely," Wilson told council.

After the meeting, he said the community is still reeling over the approval
of a homeless shelter.

"The community is still stinging from that," an emotional Wilson said. "The
community is feeling unsafe and distrustful."

Newton resident Liz Walker agreed and said she was "grateful" that Wilson
abandoned the rezoning. "My voice fell on deaf ears last week." She
applauds Wilson for taking that into account.

Wilson's last-minute decision came at significant cost to Phoenix which has
already invested $40,000 in community consultation and $2,500 for Monday's
public hearing.

Without the rezoning, Phoenix is restricted to six beds or less.

Wilson said he currently has nine patients in the recovery house, which he
will allow to finish the treatment program, then limit the number to six.

Another recovery house run by Phoenix at 13686 94A Ave. was unanimously
approved by council at Monday's public hearing with no public opposition.
Lloyd Daigle said it's unfortunate that Phoenix is facing such opposition
in Newton.

Daigle, a recovering alcoholic, said Phoenix saved his life 10 years ago.
Wilson would not say when he would bring the application back to council.