Jeff Mansfield says he realizes drug users need a place for treatment, but the principal of Amos K. Hutchinson Elementary School believes a strip mall near his school isn't the proper spot for a methadone clinic.
He isn't alone in his opinion.
Nearby residents and the Greensburg Salem School District oppose a bid by Freedom Healthcare Services Inc., of Bethel Park, Allegheny County, to start the clinic and drug-and-alcohol treatment facility.
The location would be in the rear offices at Southwest Crossroads Plaza, a new strip mall near the base of the Route 30 overpass on Route 119.
"I'm sure 95 percent of them are great people. They've just made mistakes in their lives," Mansfield said of the clients. "But I'm hoping the clinic would be away from the school."
A hearing about the clinic is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Southwest Greensburg Fire Hall. Borough council is expected to make a decision about the clinic during its regular meeting Dec. 13.
Methadone is a synthetic narcotic used to treat addiction to opiates, including heroin.
Tim Grealish, director of behavioral health and compliance officer for Freedom Healthcare, said everyone is in favor of drug-treatment facilities -- until they come to their area. He said most of the concern is based on unfounded fears.
"I think once people see what we're trying to do, the shroud of fear will be lifted because people will have knowledge," he said.
Grealish said his group is waiting until after a decision is made about the clinic's location before going through the approval process with federal and state authorities.
Richard McGarvey, a spokesman for the state health department, said there are two approved methadone dispensers in Westmoreland County -- RHJ Medical Center near Hunker and at Torrance State Hospital. Another one is located in Fayette County -- Addition Specialists Inc. in Uniontown.
There are 42 outpatient maintenance clinics in the state, compared with 28 in 2001. Nearly 11,000 people receive methadone from clinics statewide, McGarvey said.
Grealish said methadone probably would be dispensed from the proposed clinic from 5 or 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day of the week except Sunday. Counseling and other therapy programs also are planned. He projected 300 clients could use the facility.
Grealish said the goal is to get clients off methadone and leading normal lives.
McGarvey said the health department has no previous history with Freedom Healthcare.
Notices about the hearing and clinic were sent to property owners within 500 feet of the strip mall. Hutchison Elementary, with 640 students, isn't within that distance and is at least 300 yards away from the strip mall, officials said.
Daniel Hewitt, solicitor for Southwest Greensburg, said the hearing is required because of the proposed clinic's proximity to other businesses and homes.
Council must decide whether the clinic is appropriate for the area, he said.
The Greensburg Salem school board passed a resolution this month in opposition to the clinic. Directors said the establishment of the clinic would "pose a serious danger to students, employees and others" at the elementary school and create "an unacceptable risk to students, employees and others."
Sam Scott, president of Scott Electric Co., also objects.
"I think it's a terrible thing to have next to us," he said.
Scott said the 500 employees at his facility -- many residents of the borough or neighboring communities -- were questioned about the clinic.
"We haven't found one person yet who's in favor of it," he said. "I don't know why anyone would want a thing like that in this type of neighborhood."
Scott said he is concerned about crime increasing if the clinic were approved.
Other residents also are worried about the type of clientele attracted to the clinic.
"I feel very badly for them, but I can't condone this in any way, shape or form," said Glenn Blackburn, who lives about 400 feet from the proposed clinic. "It scares me. It plain scares me."
"I don't think they should do it," said Edward Constantine, a neighbor of Blackburn's. "It's too close to homes. I just don't want it."
The site is zoned industrial -- usually the least restrictive designation under zoning laws.
Mansfield said he believes those who oppose the proposed clinic's location may have an uphill battle, but he plans to attend the hearing and hopes to speak.
"We're going to try," he said of opposing the facility. "I have 640 reasons why I'd prefer not to have it there."
