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

""Treatment, yes. Location, no," neighbors chanted throughout the night, emphasizing their concerns about the proposed treatment center's proximity to residential areas and an elementary school."

""We want services. We're all for treatment services," said Taso Zografos, a community representative. "But the location is bad." This sentiment was echoed by many residents at the open house."

""They've done it backwards," Zografos said. "They've gone forward with this project without engaging the community, and that's going to be a problem. It's a trainwreck.""

""I can guarantee you if this were to be in another neighborhood, it would get similar pushback, and that's an unfortunate reality against the stigma of these services," Corzo said."

San Mateo County residents expressed strong opposition to a proposed 69-bed substance abuse treatment center due to its location near an elementary school and residential areas. Community representatives emphasized the need for treatment services but criticized the chosen site as inappropriate. Concerns were raised about the lack of community engagement in the planning process. County Supervisor Noelia Corzo acknowledged the community's concerns and stated the open house aimed to address them. Supervisor Jackie Speier admitted the site was poorly chosen and accepted responsibility for the oversight.

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