I would like to comment on the two letters written recently in regards to the proposed Caron Foundation Drug Facility for adolescents.

First and foremost, those of us who oppose the facility have only good things to say about the reputation of Caron. It is a top-notch facility that has certainly helped troubled teens with their drug and alcohol addiction. Our concern is the location of the facility.

This facility is in a very densely populated area less than one-half mile from an elementary school and borders a church cemetery on Friendship Circle. There are several elderly people who are members of the Friendship Baptist Church and visit their loved ones frequently. Their fear is that it will be unsafe for them to continue their visits. The Caron Pennsylvania facility is in a more rural area that sits on a mountain with 150 acres.

While it is true that the location was already used for a facility for alcoholic women, I believe this can't even begin to compare to the age group of teens (between 15-19) that will be treated at this facility. I think anyone would agree that MOST adolescents at this age are usually very defiant.

Two more things that the public may or may not be aware of: When I attended one of the first meetings it was told to us that this facility was needed and wanted in north Georgia. This indicates to me that it should be used for the teens who are from this area. However, their Pennsylvania location has only about 20% from Pennsylvania, and now we've been told that the proposed location in Forsyth Co. is not just for north Georgia residents.

Secondly this is a high-priced treatment center (12,000 per month/per child, a 50% possibility of scholarship), and we also know that it can draw celebrity patients which can cause additional congestion problems to the community.

I agree that Caron or a similar facility is needed, just not at this location.

Thank you,

Brenda Basey

Forsyth Co. Resident