Carroll County, Md., Commissioners Sign Lease, Plan Treatment Facility July 2, 2004
Communities in Action On July 1, Carroll County, Md., commissioners signed a lease for seven acres of land in Sykesville, where they plan to build a $3.2 million long-term residential drug treatment center, the Baltimore Sun recently reported. According to plans, the 15,000-square-foot facility will have 24 beds and treat mostly 18- to 25-year-olds.Commissioner Perry Jones said, "This is a much-needed facility for the county. Drug addiction is a big problem here, and long-term treatment is needed so patients can get back to leading normal lives."
The plot of land, owned by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, is located near the Springfield Hospital Center, a state mental health facility, and the state Central Laundry Facility, a minimum-security prison.
The lease, awaiting expected approval from the state Board of Public Works, is a result of negotiations between county officials and the state departments that own the property. The biggest obstacle to finalizing the plans was finding a suitable location.
The county has been planning this treatment facility for at least three years. Frank Johnson, special assistant to commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge, said, "We have nailed down the issues and can go to the state board without any loose ends."
The county may advertise for design and engineering bids in August, and in two years the center could be completed and accepting patients.
Carroll County is a Demand Treatment! Partner.
