Pubdate: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 Source: Albuquerque Tribune (NM) Copyright: 2001 The Albuquerque Tribune Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/11 Website: http://www.abqtrib.com/ Author: Kate Nash, Tribune Reporter Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) Note: Andy Lenderman contributed to this report. COUNCIL TO GRAPPLE WITH NEEDLE EXCHANGES It's a building few people want in their back yards. It's a program many people say is beneficial. And it has to go somewhere. That's the dilemma Albuquerque city councilors face with a bill that would set up rules for needle exchange facilities in the city. Among other things, the bill before the council tonight would require a facility's operator to obtain a permit and would allow facilities to locate only in certain areas. The issue pits Nob Hill residents fatigued by problems surrounding a needle exchange center in their neighborhood against those who say the program does plenty of good for the community at large. "The thing we can't do on this council is take a `not in my back yard' approach," City Councilor Greg Payne said. Albuquerque has eight needle exchange centers, advocates say. The programs allow drug addicts to obtain clean needles in hopes of stemming the spread of infectious diseases like AIDS and hepatitis. City Councilor Hess Yntema, the sponsor of tonight's measure, said he is concerned needle exchanges like one in the Nob Hill section of his district attract crime. His proposal wouldn't allow facilities within 500 feet of places such as schools and churches. If passed, the bill would shut down what its proponents say is one of the most successful needle exchange programs in the country - the Harm Reduction Center at 4120 Silver Ave. S.E. The center is near a school and several homes. At a recent meeting of the Nob Hill Neighborhood Association, doctors said the facility's departure would be a terrible loss. "I think there's a lot of confusion about cause and effect," Dr. Bruce Trigg told the angry neighbors. "To blame the Harm Reduction Center for all the problems in your community is unfair and simplistic." Neighbors, however, are furious. They recounted story after story of businesses packing up, homes suffering break-ins and addicts overdosing in their yards. "This is just a typical day at the needle exchange," Clyde McDonald said. Both sides promised they will be watching tonight's meeting closely. Some councilors say the city needs to work out a way to locate the facilities away from residences. "I think there's a real need for this program," Payne said. "But we also can't have a situation where used needles are littering a neighborhood." Striking a balance might be difficult. "It's just too bad that in reaching out to one distressed community we haven't managed to reach out to the people who live there," Payne said. The controversy might be compounded by the calendar: This is the last meeting for five of the nine councilors. Five new councilors, elected in October, take office Dec. 1. Outgoing City Councilor Alan Armijo said he's not sure how he'll vote on the bill. "Part of the problem," he said, "is that we need to figure out something so that we're not taking the problem and just moving it from one spot to another." Under an Armijo-sponsored amendment to the bill, existing needle exchange facilities would have a year to relocate to meet the requirements of the measure, if it's approved, he said. Councilors tonight also are expected to consider: A measure that would give city employees who are on military leave the difference between their salary and their military pay. It would also continue health insurance benefits for the employees while they are away. Outgoing councilor Tim Kline is the measure's sponsor. A set of measures that will allow the city to take out loans from the New Mexico Finance Authority to pay for part of the $25 million renovation at the Albuquerque Sports Stadium. The bills will allow the city to move forward with the project, which will be paid for by a combination of rent from the Triple-A Calgary Cannons, a 10 percent surcharge on goods sold at the stadium and the loans. The project is expected to be complete in April 2003. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk