Apr 14, 2006 4 min read

I am disappointed in the article “Counseling Center in Wharton Considered” published April regarding the “drug and alcohol” rehabilitation center in Wharton Township – more precisely, on Route 381 South. The reason I am disappointed is, the article was one-sided and failed to find out just what the local residents – including me – feel about the rezoning of our community and the invasion of a business in our agriculture zoned area. The reporter spoke to the attorney for the business in question.

We had a hearing at the township building with the zoning committee and the newspaper chose not to attend, but they took the task of writing about it and didn’t do all the investigation that would have made an honest article, giving both sides of this issue.

The truth is the residents appeared at the meeting in strong opposition of having a drug and alcohol center, and of having an intricate part of our area rezoned from agriculture to business. That is not to say we don’t have empathy for the addict; we do. We just believe they could better find their “tranquility” in an area zoned to cover their needs. We want to feel safe and secure in our homes.

Most of us have lived here our entire lives as our parents and grandparents before us. We are proud of our heritage and enjoy the serene and peaceful lifestyle we call home. They want to set up this business because they want their clients to have serenity. Well, what about our serenity?

But, what Mr. Parretta, one of the three partners, fails to understand, either by choice or on purpose, is that he is asking all of us to give up a significant part of our lives, at the expense of our way of life and being harassed by traffic with only a purpose to get to the center, now!

These men will be allowed visitors. That means children, parents, friends and other relatives of each of 12 men will be visiting. They will pass my house in droves. Over a road that is already falling apart. Traffic lights will have to be installed and walking, riding our bicycles, jogging, or horseback riding will be virtually impossible.

Our safety will be compromise. Our church borders the property line and this business will put an undue hardship on safety concerns.

I want to add, nothing was said at the hearing about the qualifications of the partners to open such a business. I understand working in drug and alcohol rehab that most have master’s degrees in social service or rehabilitation. One partner is in marketing, another is in the produce business. Also, security concerns were not addressed.

This has all the earmark of what government calls “eminent domain.” When do we the people have a say – when does our word become heard? I do not believe the Cedar Valley Wellness Center meets the qualifications for a special exception.

Our investment in our property has been for generations. And now our hard work and honest and modest existence is threatened. Generations of investment will be loss.

Caryoln and George Riggs, the people selling the property, should rescind the offer for these gentlemen to purchase their property and bring back our peace of mind – the same peace of mind that they enjoyed for so many years while living here.

My mother grew up in that house they are selling and I’m sure she is huffing from her view from up high and she is wondering if there isn’t anything sacred anymore.

It’s simple – our land is zoned agriculture and Mr. Parretta’s request for special exception is not valid as stated in the zoning regulations.

I say to Mr. Parretta and his partners – tu are a business, so go to a business-zoned area. Your rehabilitation center is not welcome here in Wharton Township.

Nancy Shockey

Wharton Township