METHADONE CLINIC PROMPTS PROPOSAL

County To Consider Altering Zoning Laws

A year has passed since Horry County's first methadone clinic opened its doors.

The clinic was met by heated opposition. Critics, a state lawmaker among
them, said it could endanger children who go to a neighboring school and
those who live in the surrounding Waccamaw Pottery area.

Police have reported no crime increase since the clinic opened. But the
county will soon look at clamping down on where such clinics can be built.

The changes will be included in a proposed overhaul of county zoning laws
that could be considered by the county at the end of January.

"[Methadone clinics] will be allowed, but it will require a rezoning
request to be approved by Horry County Council," County Planner Pat Zenner
said.

Now such requests are heard only by the board of zoning appeals and not the
council, Zenner said.

Under the new zoning, methadone clinics would be in the most intensive
medical zoning and be grouped with tattoo and body piercing parlors.

Center of Hope, which did not return calls last week, treats residents who
are addicted to heroin, morphine, OxyContin and other drugs.

Treatment consists of the long-used drug methadone, a synthetic narcotic
that is taken orally and helps relieve cravings for opiate drugs.

The clinic opened in late December 2003 in Fantasy Harbour and attracted
200 clients in the first six months.

Center of Hope is in Councilman Mike Ryan's district. He said he still
opposes it.

"I just don't think we need it in the community, and I didn't think the way
that it came about was up front," Ryan said. "I wasn't even aware that
there was going to be one."

Ryan said he requested the specific zoning changes that council members may
consider approving this month.

State Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, helped lead the opposition to the
clinic, saying it could endanger children who attend Bridgewater Academy
and the Little People's College next door. Police say that has not happened.

"I haven't seen any kind of increases in crime," said Lt. Kevin Duke of the
Horry County Police Department.

There have been some complaints from neighbors who don't want the clinic in
the area but none has turned up any real crime, Duke said.