At a packed Jackson City Council meeting Monday night, the council heard an appeal related to the proposed Jackson Rancheria Recovery Center at 975 Broadway. Dan Gagnon, spokesman for the group, “Concerned Citizens of South Jackson,” filed the appeal, which contained a laundry list of concerns, including street conditions, neighborhood safety, the lack of any certified staff, and the quality of people the facility would attract. In letters submitted to the council, nearby homeowners expressed fears that the center would also attract sex offenders. Other opposition felt the program was a good one, but that an EIR should be conducted and that the facility should be located elsewhere. One citizen asked why the facility won’t be located on the Rancheria itself, citing the “deep pockets” of the Rancheria leaders.  Rich Hoffman, CEO of the Jackson Rancheria, says the current location was chosen because it’s “centrally located.”

The project also received overwhelming support and somewhat emotional testimonials, mainly from individuals who were either recovered alcoholics and/or drug abusers. Most welcomed the facility and maintained that facilities of its type were an integral part of maintaining a sober and meaningful life.  One gentleman who has 29 years of sobriety says that this type of center gives people the opportunity to “talk to someone who has walked in your shoes.” Numerous supporters stepped forward to explain that the facility would only attract people like themselves, contributing members of society who wanted to stay clean and sober. Tony Capasso, Vice President of Real Estate & Facilities for the Rancheria, explained that the proposed facility will be mainly staffed by volunteers, and serve as a meeting place for anyone who would want to give and receive support free of charge.  The facility will not take court-ordered offenders or parolees and is independent of any organization.  Following the council’s 3 to 2 vote upholding the Planning Commission’s approval of the project, Tony Capasso stated that he was “elated.”