Residents raise concerns about proposed rehab center

Shawnee residents made their voices heard Monday night during the city commission meeting as they expressed concerns about a rehabilitation center for sex offenders going into a residential area on Highland. Residents requested that the city prevent the center from going in at 1401 E. Highland, and City Manager Jim Collard was able to offer a plan to move the facility to another location. Collard said the facility has been issued a building permit, but an occupancy permit hasn’t been issued. Until all the building code requirements are met, the facility will not open, he said. Collard said building owner Holly Chandler indicated she will put the facility up for sale immediately. The city has legal requirements to allow the facility to open, but city officials are looking for alternative locations, he said. Collard said even if the facility opens temporarily, it will be monitored to prevent anything from going wrong. “If there is the slightest infraction, it (the facility) will be closed immediately,” he said. While residents packed the commission chambers to let their concerns be heard by the city, state Rep. Kris Steele said residents were being heard on the state level as well. “If there’s something I can do from the state representative stance to ensure safety, I want to do that,” Steele said. Steele said it’s the government’s responsibility to protect residents and to ensure the safety and security of the neighborhood. “Residents need to feel free from fear or danger,” he told the News-Star. Currently, state law prohibits sex offenders from within 300 feet of a school, park, playground or certified child-care facility. Steele said legislators may look at amending the law to increase the distance. Steele said the current legislation passed in 2003, but there are loopholes that have been raised because of Shawnee’s issue. Steele said the distant restrictions don’t apply to facilities being used by individuals for medical services. He said the Highland facility would qualify for medical services because of the mental health aspect. “We need to tighten that loophole,” Steele said. Steele said the issue for residents isn’t about if a facility is necessary, but the location needs to be addressed. “Steele said this type of facility provides accountability, supervision and oversight. Without the facility, that doesn’t exist, he said. Steele said he is listening to the residents and will help any way possible to help identify a better location in the community. “I am listening, and we are discussing it on the legislative level,” he said. ———— Amanda Gire may be reached at amanda.gire@news-star.com or at 214-3934.