REHAB CENTER ON AGENDA -- NEARBY SCHOOLS A STICKING POINT

Drug: State To Study Plan

BETHANY -- City council members will discuss today a proposed drug
treatment center that has prompted angry responses from more than 300
residents. Mayor J.D. Johnston said the council will discuss ordinances and
zoning that would apply to the center. The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m.
at Bethany City Hall, 6700 NW 36.

At issue is whether a residential substance abuse center can be located at
6900 NW 39.

"I will do everything in my power to stop this facility," Johnston said.
"We have over nine educational systems, from elementary students to high
school, within a three-block area of this."

Broadway Place LLC is seeking certification to operate the center for
adults at the former Bethany Village Nursing Home, which was closed in
November.

Rosemary Brown, spokeswoman for the state Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Department, said the company applied for the certification Jan. 3. The
Bethany treatment center would be the company's first.

She said state mental health officials will determine whether Broadway
Place LLC meets state criteria.

If the center meets all regulations, state officials could recommend that
the state mental health board issue a temporary certification at its March
8 meeting. With a temporary certification, the center could begin treating
patients, Brown said.

Permanent certification could be given if the center meets state
requirements after patients are being treated.

Brown said her department does not regulate where a center can be located,
but that it must adhere to local guidelines, including zoning laws.

Richard Laquer of Broadway Place LLC would not comment Tuesday.

Broadway Place LLC recently sought to start a drug and alcohol treatment
center in another former nursing home at 1214 N Broadway Place. The
Oklahoma City Council in November unanimously denied the group's application.

Bethany Schools Superintendent Kent Shellenberger said he doesn't have much
information about the proposal.

"If a drug rehabilitation center goes up near the schools, we would have
some obvious concerns," he said.