Concerns Rise Among Mesa Residents Over Proposed Behavioral Health Facility Near Elementary School

A neighborhood in Mesa, Arizona, is buzzing with concern after learning that a local home will be transformed into a behavioral health facility. The new operation, run by Legacy Recovery Center, held a meeting to address residents’ fears, but tensions ran high as nearly 300 people expressed their opposition.

The Hermosa Vista community wants to know why their upscale neighborhood was chosen for an addiction and mental health treatment center. Many residents feel blindsided, stating they were not consulted beforehand. Mike Stephen, a local resident, said, “They didn’t reach out to us initially. When our opposition grew, they decided to hold this meeting.”

The worries were palpable during the discussion. Susan Jarvie, another resident, voiced her concerns, saying, “I don’t believe treatment facilities belong in residential areas. There are better locations for them.”

One of the key issues discussed was transparency. Residents were frustrated with what they described as vague responses from Legacy Recovery Center about their plans. Stephen highlighted that the center typically allows for short-term stays but did not apply for a special use permit as required. “They acted like there would be long-term stays, but that isn’t the case,” he explained.

Interestingly, the city of Mesa stated that family community residences don’t need a conditional use permit in residential zones. However, due to the rising concerns, city staff is reviewing the situation to see if additional permits might be necessary.

Residents are particularly anxious about safety, especially since the property backs up to an elementary school. Christina Frost, who lives next door, expressed her alarm, saying she doesn’t feel safe knowing a facility for addiction and mental health treatment is nearby. “Their other center is on a two-acre estate, and that’s great. But this one is too close to kids,” she added.

This situation isn’t unique to Mesa. Communities across the U.S. have grappled with the placement of behavioral health facilities, often struggling to balance community concern with the need for treatment options. According to recent surveys, about 60% of Americans support mental health treatment in their communities, but many prefer these facilities to be located away from residential areas. This disconnect can lead to tension, as seen in Mesa.

Amidst the concerns, the owner of Legacy Recovery Center chose not to comment on the situation. As the city of Mesa reviews feedback from residents, they promise to provide more information soon.

The conversation around behavioral health facilities is relevant now more than ever, especially as mental health awareness has increased in recent years. The 2023 National Institute of Mental Health report revealed that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness. This data spotlight real issues that have led to calls for more accessible treatment options, while also igniting debates over where such facilities should reside.

As this dialogue continues, the future of this Mesa neighborhood—and potentially the broader conversation on mental health facilities—remains uncertain.

For more insights into community health policies and regulations regarding behavioral health facilities, you can check out NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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