Addiction recovery center to expand in north Phoenix

PHOENIX -- A non-profit that's been in the Valley for 45 years is expanding, but some people in the area aren't happy with the expansion.

On September 20 at City Hall, there will be a special use permit hearing for the property. As it stands, the property is zoned for what is being built, but the use permit is really about the conditions under which the use will operate.

"It's just not the right place for what they're going to use it for," said Genie Smith.

Several people living near 14th Street and Dunlap aren't happy with the new facility being developed in the area. A reception hall that currently sits below the Phoenix Mountain Preserve will soon become an addiction recovery center with 55 beds and affordable housing owned by Native American Connections.

"It is a place where men, women and children can come for a short period of time, usually for about 45 days and receive what we call residential drug recovery," explained Dede Yazzie Devine, President of Native American Connections.

Smith, who lives right behind the property, says she and others are concerned about noise, traffic and say property values will go down.

"We're going to lose this tremendous view because right now, there's a one story building and by the time you put a three story building further down hill closer to us, we're going to be looking at the back side of the building, period."

Divine is hopeful people will learn more about the non-profit which will ease their worries.

"It will have 24 hour staff.. full time staff, licensed and professional people, as well as recovery coaches and behavioral health aides, so it's staffed 24/7. Safety is a big part of what we do.. lighting the facility and making sure everyone is safe and secure on the site."

Construction is set to begin in January 2019 and it should be completed by early 2020.

Online: www.nativeconnections.org