Pubdate: Sat, 15 Nov 2003 Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC) Copyright: 2003 Sun Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/987 Author: David Klepper Note: apparent 150 word limit on LTEs Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone) HORRY COUNTY ZONING BOARD STILL ANTICIPATES DECISION ON METHADONE MB - Clinic Review On Hold There is still no ruling on whether Horry County's zoning board can reconsider its approval of the county's first methadone clinic. On Monday, a judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the county from reconsidering its approval of the clinic, called Center of Hope of Myrtle Beach, which is set to open soon in Fantasy Harbour. Until Circuit Judge John Breeden rules, those who are fighting against the clinic have no choice but to wait. The county's Board of Adjustments and Zoning Appeals approved the clinic in July 2002. But after residents raised concerns that the clinic would bring drugs and crime to the area, S.C. Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, asked the board to reconsider. But the clinic's owners argued that the county cannot reconsider now, 16 months after it approved the plans. Their attorney argued that the clinic's owners have spent more than $400,000 on the clinic, hired employees and began the process of securing state permits. An attorney for the zoning board did not argue for or against the clinic but maintained the board must have the power to reconsider its own decisions. If allowed to reconsider, the board could vote to stand by its approval. Breeden heard the arguments Monday, imposed the restraining order and said he would issue a ruling soon after receiving additional information from the attorneys. The attorneys submitted that information Wednesday morning. There's no guess as to when Breeden might rule. He could not be reached Friday. "Generally, you don't like to rush the judge," said John Zilinsky, the attorney for the zoning board. "But I sort of thought we would have heard from him." "Now, we just sit around and wait," said Reynolds Williams, the attorney for the clinic. If Breeden permanently blocks the zoning board from reconsidering, the clinic will likely open as soon as it receives its permits from the state. That could come within a month. If Breeden grants the zoning board the power to reconsider, then it would be up to the board to decide whether the clinic has permission to open. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin