Rehab center proponents argue case for Kane facility
A firm proposing a private rehab center near Campton Hills began arguing its case to the Kane County zoning board Monday night, saying recovering addicts at the center will be carefully screened and are not violent people.
"It is a disease, we're dealing with people who are sick," said James Marcus, an addiction treatment expert who testified on behalf of the 120-bed inpatient treatment center proposed for a former school. "It makes me terribly sad to see the fear of people that exists here."
Maxxam Partners LLC wants to convert the former Glenwood School for Boys, 41W400 Silver Glen Road, into a private rehabilitation center.
The plan is nearly the same as a proposal brought to Campton Hills trustees that was rejected in early 2013. The plan was revived a few months ago with a capacity of 28 more patients than the first failed plan.
Marcus said recovering addicts aren't bent on mayhem. They are free to leave if they choose and will be carefully screened based on their backgrounds and ability to pay, Marcus added.
"The stigma about addicts being some crazy person is incorrect," he said. "There is such a high demand now for good treatment."
Joe Miller, a Campton Township trustee and St. Charles resident, predicted the facility would cause a spike in crime and strain police and fire services.
"Maxxam's request is one of the most serious issues that has been presented to the county and public at-large, yet it is being ushered along a fast track without serious scrutiny by any involved," Miller wrote to the zoning board.
Maxxam officials said the facility would be state-of-the-art and not dependent on state funding to survive. The center would pay $337,000 a year in property taxes and create 120 jobs.
"We have a commitment to this business plan," said F. Keith Brown, former Kane County chief judge hired by Maxxam as a consultant. "There's a very strong market (for these services)."
The zoning board will continue its review at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Kane County branch court, 530 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. The zoning board's recommendation is advisory and the county board has the final say.