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On Monday, a needle-exchange program based in Rockford was denied a special-use permit by the city's code and regulation committee. The committee voted 3-0 to deny the permit, which Total Health Awareness Team (THAT) needs to continue operating at 218 S. Seventh St. Last month, the Zoning Board of Appeals supported THAT's application by a 5-1 vote. The application faces a full city council vote next week.
"We received input from both sides," said Ald. John Beck, chair of the code committee. "None of us feel that this isn't an important service. It's just a matter of its location. It's in a business district that's trying to revive and grow. It's not zoned to be in that type of district. We'd all like to see it move to somewhere where it's more appropriate," Beck said, suggesting a location near the Winnebago County Health Department.
Beck noted that he and other aldermen received several service-related complaints from local businesses. "They're regularly finding used needles on the ground," he said. "It's tough to attract customers when you're finding that kind of element."
"I think it's amazingly incredible that we've offered a hand of support to make positive changes in the district and that the aldermen would shut us down," J. Bryan Latham, THAT's director, said after the meeting. "We should be working together to create a solution to the problem, not create barriers to the solution."
Latham said the program will continue operating, perhaps through a mobile vehicle if the city prohibits services at a fixed location.
"From what I know of the situation so far, I'd agree with the decision of the committee to overturn the [zoning] decision," said Mayor Larry Morrissey.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
