Over the protests of neighbors and a nearby elementary school, it appears that a drug rehabilitation center will be constructed next to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in West Valley City. West Valley officials have grudgingly accepted U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart's ruling in favor of The Helping Hand Association's plan to build the drug-rehabilitation center next to the church at 4615 S. 3200 West, near Truman Elementary School. Construction of the $1 million Haven West facility is expected to begin in the spring, although city officials have continued to offer concessions to the treatment center backers if they will locate elsewhere.
Meanwhile, opponents of the treatment facility have vowed to picket St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Sundays to urge it to reconsider its plans. While opponents are clearly within their free-speech rights to express their objections, care must be exercised so that these demonstrations do not degenerate into acts of intimidation. One hopes protesters will be sensitive to the fine line they are walking.
Already, the polarization has resulted in an disturbance between a member of the St. Stephen Episcopal Church and protesters, which was sparked when a church member allegedly confronted people holding picket signs. He has since apologized for his behavior.
No doubt, there are strong emotions on both sides of the argument. Members of the Episcopal church feel strongly that providing property to this treatment center is part of their Christian outreach. On the other hand, property owners and parents of schoolchildren have concerns about safety and their neighborhood.
The history of the Haven's existing facility, 974 E. South Temple, ought to persuade the doubters. It operates near an elementary school and adjacent to a child care center, leaders of which have both gone on record attesting that the Haven is a good neighbor. Unless protesters can demonstrate this center poses a substantial risk to the well-being of the neighborhood, this page will remain steadfast in its support of Haven West.
In this season of giving, residents of West Valley City would do well to give Haven West the benefit of the doubt. People who enter substance abuse treatment are taking courageous, positive steps to address serious issues in their lives. People undergoing substance abuse treatment should be greeted with welcoming arms, not shunned.
In the interest of healing the divisiveness in the neighborhood, Haven West and St. Stephen Episcopal Church would do well to keep the lines of communication open with the neighborhood and quickly address legitimate concerns. And protesters should conduct some soul searching about their objections.
People of good will can address community concerns and offer a "haven" for people attempting to overcome addictions. These goals are not mutually exclusive.