Pubdate: Thu, 27 Jan 2005
Source: Roanoke Times (VA)
Copyright: 2005 Roanoke Times
Contact:  http://www.roanoke.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/368
Author: Laurence Hammack
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

METHADONE CLINIC FOES SEEK LEGAL SHUTDOWN

Opponents of a methadone clinic in Northwest Roanoke filed a lawsuit
today in an effort to shut down the drug treatment center.

The lawsuit, filed in Roanoke Circuit Court, claims that the
California-based company operating the clinic did not obtain a special
exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals as required by a city ordinance.

City officials, who are not named in the lawsuit, have said the clinic
had already received a business license by the time the zoning
ordinance was changed in 2003 to require a special exception.

The suit also claims that opera ting an out-patient drug treatment
center in a residential neighborhood close to several schools will
create a public nuisance.

A representative with CRC Health Group, the company that is operating
the Roanoke Treatment Center, said today that the company followed all
appropriate regulations. "We will fight" the lawsuit, Joe Pritchard
said.

The clinic has been open on a limited basis since the beginning of the
month. Dispensing of methadone began this week.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake