THEN IN WHOSE BACK YARD?

Opposition To A Drug-rehabilitation Program Is Disheartening

A group known as Bridges of Iowa has submitted plans for a drug- and
alcohol-treatment facility for non-violent felons in West Des Moines. The
non-profit, faith-based organization owns the former nursing home and
surrounding six acres at 1211 Vine St. But objections from the community
are growing. Now staff at the West Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission
have recommended the commission vote against allowing the program to
operate on that site.

Neighbors are organizing, attending city meetings and placing anti-Bridges
signs in their yards. Letters sent to the Community Development Department
express opposition to the facility's location and include statements like
the following: "These are the kinds of people we try to keep away from our
children." "A rehabilitation center would fundamentally change the nature
of our neighborhood." "It's important, but not the proper location." "This
facility will encourage dangerous people to visit their friends and reside
in our community." "This is the wrong area because of the children . . .
the colorful language and other things."

Are these valid concerns? Dr. Peter Vallone, executive director of Bridges
of Iowa, cites studies that demonstrate similar Bridges facilities
operating in Florida have not caused an increase in crime or decrease in
property values in surrounding residential areas. A study conducted by Iowa
Residential Appraisal Co. concluded there would be no measurable loss in
market value of surrounding residences.

Bridges officials say residents at the proposed facility must volunteer for
the program. They must be non-violent, cannot have committed an act of
violence against a child and must currently be free from drugs and alcohol.
Anyone found in possession of these substances will be removed from the
facility. The residents need to have completed 30 to 40 percent of their
incarceration sentence and finished recommended institutional drug
treatment. Each person will be part of a highly structured 12-step program.
The men will secure jobs. They will have far more supervision than the
other 158 offenders on parole or probation currently living in West Des Moines.

Additional information based on a study conducted by Stanley Consultants in
Des Moines demonstrates there will be less traffic with this facility than
there was with the nursing home previously located there. Visitors will be
allowed only during limited hours. One building on the site will be used as
a training facility for correctional officers. There will be adequate staff
and security.

Bridges' agenda is to help individuals and ultimately our society. Everyone
knows facilities like this one are important. In fact, Donald Lamberti,
Casey's General Stores chairman, donated $2.1 million to launch the program.

And the great need for rehabilitation services makes the community
opposition even more disheartening. Will the "not in my back yard"
mentality block a needed service for people who are trying to get their
lives straightened out?

Bridges isn't a nuclear-power plant or a hog lot or even a facility that
houses sexual or violent offenders. This is a program that's trying to help
people make the transition back into society. They are people who could
easily be the sons or fathers of West Des Moines residents. Everyone is
affected by substance abuse. And the addicts need to be helped in someone's
back yard.