15-02-2025
Monroe opioid addiction clinic approved for move near hospital despite opposition from planning board
MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Despite going against a city ordinance passed just last year, a rezoning passed this week will allow an addiction clinic to relocation across town.
At Tuesday night's Monroe City Council meeting, the board unanimously approved the McLeod Centers For Wellbeing to move into a building on East Franklin Street. The organization says the location is strategic: The 0.67-acre property is right across the street from the Atrium Health Union hospital, and adjacent to a similar operation, Daymark Recovery Services; both offered their written support for the move.
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In 2024, the city passes an ordinance that requires rehabilitation clinics to be 500 feet away from existing ones and from single-family home zoning districts. The rezoning from Office Medical to Conditional Office requested is a deviation from both aspects of this requirement. The clinic also is just beyond 500 feet from Monroe High School.
McLeod has been in Monroe for more than 20 years, currently on US 74 near Dickerson Blvd. The center provides care and treatment for psychiatric, alcohol or drug dependency problems, from residential care to outpatient services.
Unlike Daymark that offers short-term (up to a week) treatment, McLeod has long-term, lasting weeks, months or years.
This ensures close collaboration with medical professions,' said McLeod CEO Christine Zazzaro. 'You're endorsing a compassion approach to health care that saves lives and strengthens our community.'
City planning staff recommended approval, through the planning board denied their recommendation, 4-2.
The Planning staff touted the access to downtown Monroe and that it was consistent with the city's Land Development Plan. The existing 4,700-square-foot building has a paved parkingarea with approximately 22 spaces.
'Location does not meet ordinance requirements, but rezoning for clinic at location is reasonable due to close proximity to hospital and partners adjacent to this site,' Senior Planner Keri Mendler said.
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Logan Adams, McLeod's medical director, noted concerns over crime. He presented a Monroe Police Department analysis showing crime that occurred in 2024 within 500 feet of their current location. It showed all incidents were either at Zaxby's or the urgent care.
'Our patients are from Union County, most are employed or are seeking employment,' he said. 'They are folks that are working as educators, environmental service folks, attorneys, we see folks across the spectrum of socio-economic status.'
Councilwoman Julie Thompson offered her support for the clinic.
'Your proven track record speaks for itself,' she said. 'To me, this seems like the opportunity to help those who need this kind of treatment.'
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