November 5, 2023 – After receiving what city administrators call “numerous letters and emails” from citizens objecting to a potential move by Heritage Behavioral Health to the former K’s Merchandise store building on Pershing and Water, the city issued a general statement to let residents know that their comments have been received. But at the same time, there have been no formal plans, applications, or permits submitted for the city to review.
The Decatur City Council and City leadership are aware of the possible redevelopment project which could be located north of St. Teresa High School. The City has already received numerous letters and emails in an effort to cancel the proposed project. It will not be possible to respond individually, but Council members and City leadership want citizens to know their comments have been received. This should be considered a general response from the City:
- The City of Decatur has not received any formal plans,permit applications, drawings, or maps from Heritage Behavioral Health for the possible redevelopment project referenced by St. Teresa. The City has only had brief and informal discussions with Heritage and their development partners.
- The City of Decatur cannot make a final determination about whether a possible redevelopment project sponsored by Heritage will comply with City Codes until we formally receive plans, specifications, maps, and building permit applications. However, based on limited information provided by Heritage and their development partners, it is unlikely that the Decatur City Council will be required to take any formal action approving or disapproving the possible redevelopment project.
Heritage Behavioral Health Center is looking to expand and is currently looking at various locations in Decatur, including the building located next to St. Teresa at 2800 N. Water St. After being made aware of the possibility of Heritage relocating next to their campus, St. Teresa released a statement, voicing their concerns about the location change and it’s proximity to the school.
The statement from St. Teresa said the following:
Heritage’s website states, “Heritage provides comprehensive community-based services to treat the most serious behavioral disorders… Substance Use (inpatient and outpatient), Gambling, Mental Health, etc.”
In addition, many of the patients have public records for various acts including being registered sex offenders.
Our number one priority is the safety, security, and well-being of St. Teresa’s students, families, and community members. Moving this facility in our backyard would pose serious, known, and unknown, risks. The team involved in planning has stated that Heritage currently serves roughly 4,000 patients and this facility could increase that capacity to over 10,000 patients. Many of these individuals are homeless and when not in treatment, patients could be present on the campus of St. Teresa. Additionally, many of the other service providers these patients utilize (Crossings, Salvation Army, Oasis, Northeast) are located closest to Heritage’s current location downtown and would increase the amount of foot traffic in and around St. Teresa’s campus – increasing the security risk around our school. Again, our number one priority is the safety of our students!
We are cognizant of the long-time goal of moving Heritage out of downtown and the potential economic impact this project could bring. Additionally, we respect the work that Heritage provides for the patients it serves. However, relocating the campus next to St. Teresa, or any school, cannot be the best option on the table when there are plenty of other vacant buildings and empty acreage around the city of Decatur.
As the leadership of St. Teresa, we 100% percent oppose this facility being relocated next to St. Teresa High School and we feel it is our obligation to get this news out to the Catholic community and the entire Decatur area that so deeply support the legacy and mission of a St. Teresa Education. The board is currently evaluating all avenues present to oppose this project.
With the country experiencing a mental health and substance use crisis, Mary Garrison, director of Heritage Behavioral health said she believes there is a great need for the services offered by Heritage. Following the statement by St. Teresa, Garrison issued the following:
“For 67 years Heritage Behavioral Health Center (HBHC), Inc. has been serving our community for those living with mental health and substance use disorders during their most difficult times during their lives,” Garrison said. “Heritage serves over 7,000 clients and their families each year with a workforce of over 350 staff and 11 locations throughout Macon and DeWitt counties.
Currently, our country is experiencing a mental health and substance use crisis and the need for the services of Heritage has never been greater. Simultaneously, individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders continue to be stigmatized and we are committed to fighting the stigma that creates barriers to treatment. To meet the needs of our clients, their families and our community, HBHC has expanded all of our services including the addition of primary care. Someone can walk in our door and receive mental health, substance use and primary care services all under one roof. As the needs of our community grow, Heritage will continue to meet those needs and group our services.
Our expansion will continue to improve the lives of those we serve and improve the quality of life for all. We look forward to meeting the needs of our community for decades to come as we work tirelessly to end stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.
Please know I welcome any discussion about Heritage to share the benefits of our services and the incredibly positive impact we have on our community.”
The city stated that they encourage both St. Teresa and Heritage to understand the limits of the City’s role and said that requests for additional information about Heritage’s plans for any possible redevelopment projects near St. Teresa School should be addressed to Heritage.
