New location proposed for controversial San Mateo County drug treatment facility

BURLINGAME, Calif. (KGO) -- There's a new potential location on the table for a controversial 69-bed drug treatment facility in San Mateo County.

The two-acre, 34,000-square-foot property in Burlingame includes three buildings and previously housed a similar treatment facility that closed in recent years. Advocates say that because the site is already configured for services, a new Horizon Treatment Services center could open much faster than the currently proposed location on El Camino Real, where a new facility would need to be built. County Executive Michael Callagy estimated the difference in timeline could be 18 months to two years.

Location has been at the center of the debate.

Critics of the El Camino Real site argue it is too close to residential neighborhoods and an elementary school, and that the layout and traffic patterns make it a poor fit for this type of facility. The Burlingame property, by contrast, sits in a more industrial area.

Some residents say their frustration has grown because they feel Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who represents District 2, where the El Camino Real site is located, pushed the proposal forward without adequate community engagement. Corzo has said she was not aware of the depth of community concern until a meeting last February.

RELATED: San Mateo meeting gets heated as residents clash over proposed substance abuse treatment site

During Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, Corzo defended the current site and noted that purchasing the Burlingame property would cost the county an additional $13 million. Callagy said the county would attempt to recoup about half of that cost and use the remaining portion of the property for other county needs.

District 1 Supervisor Jackie Speier helped facilitate the new proposed site. She argued that purchasing the property could end up saving the county money down the line by getting them out of spending an estimated $23 million dollars annually on leasing properties.

"I felt like I became a little bit of a realtor for the county for a moment," Supervisor Speier said. "It's an asset that we're acquiring for the county. We can then subdivide it and sell it to Horizon. We can also use it for a lot of other purposes."

Speier also estimated $250,000 a year could be saved by having 'sobering stations' available for people sooner than later, who would have otherwise been taken to county jail.

At the meeting, dozens of community members spoke up during public comment.

RELATED: San Mateo residents voice concerns over proposed substance abuse treatment center

Ellen Wang, one San Mateo resident, shared that she is the mother of a son who suffered from drug addiction.

"We need facilities and we need them as soon as possible," said Wang of the new proposed location. "If we can quickly acquire and build a facility, then go for it. Otherwise, please continue with the plans on El Camino. Time is important."

"I have personal experience with family members who have had their lives devastated by addiction," said Catherin Milliken. "Yes we need treatment. No to the location on El Camino."

Milliken cited an a location too close to children and elderly, chaotic traffic, and even flooding concerns for her reasoning.

Residents like Kolja Schluetter and Leslie Raskin feel the Burlingame location is ideal for a facility like this, citing strong public transportation potential and is in close proximity to a hospital, versus schools and residences.

MORE: San Mateo County installs purple Narcan boxes to help prevent overdose deaths

Other residents felt the issue isn't location, but rather a stigma over mental health and substance abuse.

"Much of the opposition of this project is rooted in prejudice and fear," said Reverand Álvaro Durán. "Prejudices about our own neighbors, our friends, our families, people who already belong to our community, people that make part of our community, this fear of people who are struggling with substance use."

"It will provide critical health for health care for so many of our friends, our family, and our neighbors," said Juliana Kessler, a high school teacher in support of the El Camino location. "If your children are afraid of people with mental health issues, ask yourself why you told them they should be afraid."

Some say the lack of transparency by Supervisor Corso made matters worse.

"If we had this kind of forum back in September, October and were notified what was going on, we probably wouldn't be in a situation we're all in today," added Matt Pritchard.

At least two Burlingame residents spoke out about the new proposed site, saying he and other fellow small business owners in the area have not contact for input or community engagement.

The discussion over the new proposed site ended in a recess, after back and forth between supervisor following public comment.

Despite the continuing disagreements, all felt it was a much more productive conversation than a heated community meeting weeks prior.

Derya Ozes, Chief Program Officer at Horizon Services, was present at the meeting. She said while there wasn't enough time in the meeting to discuss the new proposed location, Horizon remains committed to offering services to the community.

"To strike a win win, with our leaders as well as our community members to make sure our programs our operating safely and effectively," Ozes added.