Transfiguration Catholic Parish

Catholic Charities of Cleveland plans to open a 14-bed residential treatment program in this former convent on Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, part of the Transfiguration Parish.

(Bruce Geiselman, Northeast Ohio Media Group)

LAKEWOOD, Ohio - The Cleveland Catholic Diocese plans to open a 14-bed residential drug and alcohol treatment program on Transfiguration Parish property on Alameda Avenue, drawing objections from nearby residents.

There's a shortage of beds for drug rehab programs, thanks to a spike in heroin addiction and a tendency by courts to refer women for treatment instead of prison, said Maureen Dee, executive director of Catholic Charities Corp., which operates the Matt Talbot for Women program. The program operates a similar residential facility on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland that has proven highly successful, she said.

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland plans to reuse a vacant convent on the Transfiguration Parish campus for a 14-bed residential treatment program that would be staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The former convent once was occupied by 14 nuns who were teachers at the now closed SS. Cyril and Methodius school. The convent is set up with 14 small bedrooms, appropriate for a single bed, communal bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, chapel and large group rooms.

However, about 10 residents of Alameda Avenue and nearby areas spoke at a city Planning Commission meeting July 2, most expressing fears about decreases in property values and possible increases in crime.

"I do not believe anyone could argue it will be significantly more difficult to sell a property next to a drug rehabilitation facility than a property that was not," said Frank Derezic, whose home is near the building where the recovery program would be based. "Not only would it take much longer to sell, if at all, I would have to sell it at a much lower price than other comparable homes in the area."

Residents also said they were worried about increased traffic, the effect on a nearby school, and a possible a spike in burglaries and drug dealing in the neighborhood.

The Lakewood Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing the church to open the residential treatment program.

Dee told residents the women in the program would be confined to the building unless accompanied by staff, no violent offenders or anyone experiencing withdrawal would be admitted, visitation would be limited to two hours one day per week, parking would be limited to church grounds, security cameras would be installed inside the building, and a fence would screen the building from the nearest neighbor.

"We do understand the hesitation, but we hope to have the opportunity to demonstrate our responsibility and consideration in how we deliver the services," Dee said. "Catholic Charities is committed to providing quality residential treatment programming, which respects the dignity of the clients we serve and the communities where we operate."

Catholic Charities met with more than 50 area residents recently in an effort to address their concerns, but Dee said the organization was willing to hold additional conversations.

The typical length of stay for a woman enrolled in the program would be 60 days, Dee said.

Residents said they still believe the program is inappropriate for a residential neighborhood and could pose risks. At least one resident said he planned to sell his home.

Bryce Sylvester, secretary for the Planning Commission, said Catholic Charities must return to the commission six months after opening the treatment center for a review of how the program is operating. If there are significant concerns, such as security issues, the Planning Commission could revoke the conditional use permit, he said.

The Planning Commission also put in place about a half-dozen requirements involving location of the main entrance, hours of visitation, and required off-street parking that are designed to minimize any impact on neighbors.

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