Opposes permit

Dear editor:

It has come to my attention that, at 6 p.m. today, the Hot Springs Planning Commission will consider a proposal to expand a drug rehab facility in my neighborhood from seven beds to 48 beds. The only reason I learned of this is because we have a member of our Neighborhood Association who watches and informs us of any proposals for our neighborhood, the Whittington Valley.

Coventry House purchased the property at 236 Linden St. and is seeking a Conditional Permit to expand operation to house 48 in-patients — a nearly seven-fold increase in capacity!

This permit should not be issued. Would any person on the Planning Commission want a 48-bed facility in the middle of their residential neighborhood? Would you want this facility in your neighborhood? This proposed 48-bed facility is down a very narrow street, in a residential area. In addition, this facility has ready access to Linden Park, which is used by neighborhood children, various groups (for meetings) and students from the Math and Science School who visit the park regularly for exercise and outdoor recreation. We have three Habitat Villages in the Valley, thus there are many children who use Linden Park.

A 48-bed hospital wouldn’t be allowed to operate in the residential areas of the Whittington Valley. The city would not allow a 48-bed bed and breakfast or a 48-bed hotel to be located in the residential areas of the Valley. Understand this proposed 48-bed facility is a large-scale commercial business that will operate 24 hours a day. It does not belong in any residential neighborhood, especially one with single-family homes.

This facility is well off an arterial road, down a narrow lane without sidewalks and with deep drainage ditches on both sides. Numerous cars, trucks and vans will be using this narrow street along with cyclists and pedestrians. This large-scale “commercial enterprise” will dramatically increase traffic, noise and undermine the peace and quiet every homeowner expects and cherishes.

Our neighbor, John Lewis, (who is no longer with us) sat on the planning commission. He kept our neighborhood a safe, family friendly place for residents and visitors alike. I hope everyone in Hot Springs has someone who keeps “an eye” out for the safety and preservation of their neighborhood—we all need to be vigilant. And don’t count on your city director for your area! We have heard nothing from our city director.

If you are concerned about this issue, whether you live in the Valley or not (and remember, once the precedent is set, your neighborhood could be next!), please contact the Planning Commission. Email Planning Director Kathy Sellman at ksellman@cityhs.net or drop your letter off at the City’s Planning Department, 133 Convention Blvd. (it is too late to mail your letter and have it delivered on time). Or come to the planning commission meeting at City Hall and voice your opinion.

Verna Linder Hot Springs