Medina County is one step closer toward opening a non-residential sober living recovery center. Officials said they are finalizing a deal with the owner of the vacant Medina Steak and Seafood Restaurant.
The county has been given grant money to try and slow the opioid epidemic. Judge Joyce Kimbler said the location of the building on West Liberty Street is the perfect location for the facility.
However, not everyone agrees.
The proposed facility is at the center of a controversy in the community. Kimbler said the center would have life skills, family support groups among other services.
But, neighbors said the county's plan keeps changing and they can't get straight answers.
"It's hard to fully embrace something when you don't have answers to questions," Beth Biggins-Ramer said.
She said the building is the third oldest in Medina and is in a historical district with certain rules to follow about the appearance of the property.
Neighbors said they recognize there is an opioid problem and help is needed but they don't agree with putting it in the proposed location.
Delane Nagel said their neighborhood already has three registered sex offender group homes and Cathy's House, which helps provide a sober living environment for men and women making the transition from addiction to sobriety.
"It's already in our backyard," said Nagel.
Medina City Councilman At-Large Bill Lamb said he tried to help bring both sides together to talk about the issue but so far hasn't been able to make that happen. He too said there have been no clear answers to questions raised by neighbors.
"The responses we have gotten have been different responses at different times," he said.
"From our perspective, it's very clear," Kimbler said.
She believes county officials have communicated the plan clearly.
Kimbler said with her understanding of the proposed center she would have no problem having it in her neighborhood.
The county sent the building's owner the proposal and expect to have a reply shortly.
