CLINIC A BAD IDEA

I read the article regarding a planned for-profit methadone clinic
(Register-Guard, Aug. 5) with dismay.

We own a piece of property next to the proposed clinic. For years, the
residents and businesses of our neighborhood have combated the tide of
humanity and tried to keep the area safe, attractive and clean.

This is the last straw for many of us. Would any resident of any city in
this country want a for-profit methadone clinic next door to their house?
Would planning committee member Shannon Thienes?

What kind of remark is, "We really have no idea what the waiting list is"?
Is the fact that 25 people are waiting to have their fake heroin doled out
to them enough to justify opening a clinic in a neighborhood already
burdened by social services agencies? Wouldn't any addict enjoy the
prospect of being able to go somewhere to buy heroin, synthetic or not,
anytime he or she wants it without having to search for it? The need will
be enormous.

It seems clear to me that it discourages people from getting off drugs. Why
make the effort to get clean when you can buy the stuff legally on 12th Street?

It seems clear that a big money-making corporation has now entered the
streets of Eugene planning to sell fake heroin for profit and not giving a
damn about how their clients raise the money to purchase it. These people
will spread out into the downtown area looking for a way to get the money
to buy fake heroin, and in doing so, touch the lives of many citizens of
Eugene.

Everyone talks about how to revitalize the downtown area. This is a step in
the opposite direction. This clinic should never open its doors.