Detox battle of rights
Dear Editor:
A storefront at 504 S. Federal Hwy. has become ground zero in a classic case of David vs. Goliath. In this case, David is a band of neighbors from The Cove neighborhood, whose homes are next to or near the property. Goliath is a business owner who owns Deerfield Florida House, Inc., a substance abuse treatment facility across the street from the storefront, formerly known as Reel Smokers World.
Even without a change of land-use approval from the city, the owner purchased the property for over $1 million and sank $100,000 in architectural fees for a 24- to 28-bed detoxification facility for drug and alcohol abusers with dual diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. Patients will arrive at the facility while under the influence of substances with the goal of removing the substances from their bodies, so they may be admitted to the Florida House directly across Federal Highway for long-term drug rehabilitation. Florida statutes prevent the facility from retaining patients against their will, so they may leave treatment after six hours. Needless to say, neighbors became concerned and organized to fight the plan.
The business owner met with neighbors and denied that patients had committed crimes or were a threat to the surrounding community.
However, in February 2011, a Florida House patient fled the facility and stole a knife from Publix prior to burglarizing and vandalizing cars in The Cove parking lot and at homes on SE 17 Ave. and SE 17 Terr. The patient’s rampage didn’t stop there. He entered an occupied home on SE 5 Court then stumbled out onto the lawn. The resident recognized the patient was in distress and offered assistance, but the patient punched him in the face.
Prior to that, a Florida House resident robbed Papa John’s pizza on S. Federal Highway in 2009. Neighbors currently report being solicited for money and rides to the airport at local businesses from patients from the Florida House.
In September, the Planning and Zoning Board [recommended to the city commission] denial of the change of land use request, stating the proposed facility was not compatible with the residential zone next to it. In addition, city code states that a substance abuse treatment facility cannot be within 1,000 feet of another substance abuse treatment facility. The city rejected the application.
End of story? Not so fast. The owner has appealed the ruling, stating that the planned facility is merely an extension of the substance abuse facility across the street, even though different services will be provided there. He has also vowed to spend up to $6 million to defend his right to build the facility. He has retained counsel of an attorney who specializes in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That lawyer has already sent a threatening letter to city officials alleging “hostile and irrational community prejudice.” If his appeal to the Planning and Zoning Board special master is denied, it is expected he will turn to the ADA for ammunition against the city.
What’s at stake for the business owner? Millions of dollars in profit from the desperate families of addicts who will pay any amount for help for their loved ones. What’s at stake for the neighbors? At the very least, a drop in property values of their biggest investment — their homes. At worst, their safety and security. Who has already won this battle? The previous owner of the property, who purchased it for $600,000 in 1999 and sold it to Deerfield Florida House for $1.3 million in 2011.
Can Deerfield Beach afford to fight this battle? If we don’t, does that mean a dual diagnosis detoxification facility may be built anywhere in our city? Will the next one be built next to your house?
Donna Ihle
Deerfield Beach
RE: Paid Advertisement
Dear Editor:
Congrats to Frank “It’s all about me” Congemi. After his power play struggle failed, he felt it necessary to take out a full page ad in the Observer in an attempt to undermine those who still believe in the Chamber. Frank, get over yourself. In my opinion, you’re still a bull in a china shop. You challenge the integrity of people. As for your last line, “God bless,” who are you kidding? Live with yourself, you deserve you.
Steve Miller
Deerfield Beach
RE: Publisher’s Perspective
Dear Editor:
I always enjoy reading Op-Eds written by the publisher, because of their clarity and conciseness. However, the Opinion piece in the Dec.1 issue is particularly worthy of praise.
Politicians frequently say that raising taxes will kill jobs. Rarely, if at all, do they explain why. The publisher does this with a logical, yet simple case and argument explaining why increased taxes and, therefore, increased costs decreases business and lessens the ability of a business owner to pay employees.
Don Kolb
Deerfield Beach
