Contra Costa County supervisors at their regular meeting Tuesday denied an appeal by residents concerned that a new residential mental health facility in unincorporated Walnut Creek would violate zoning laws or compromise neighborhood safety.
Dr. Gregory Braverman and National Psychiatric Care and Rehabilitation Services sought a permit to convert an existing residential eldercare facility into a “social rehabilitation facility.” The building is in the 2000 block of Tice Valley Boulevard and will serve 12 to 16 people experiencing short-term mental health crises.
The county’s zoning administrator approved the facility’s permit in November, and that decision was upheld by the county planning commission in May. At least two neighbors filed letters with the county appealing that decision, however.
The primary point of contention revolved around whether zoning laws allowed for a mental health facility to be established in a building previously approved for elder care. But the letters of appeal, which are available on the county’s website, also cite concerns over increased calls for emergency services and supposed nuisances that could be associated with the presence of the mentally ill.
After a presentation from the project applicant on the nature of the planned facility, as well as a public comment period during which people argued both sides of the conflict, the board consulted with the county’s lawyer – who said that the arguments about inappropriate zoning lacked merit.
District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis said she was “personally a little offended” by some of the arguments presented against the facility, saying that such misinformation contributes to the stigma currently faced by the mentally ill.
Board Chair John Gioia said the meeting served as a reminder that we, as a society, still have work to do in that regard.
“We all have mental health issues,” Gioia said. “The question is where on the continuum we fall.”
“I hope this reminds us of the need to really do better education to inform communities so that there’s not the same level of concern or fear,” Gioia added.
Supervisor Candace Andersen made the motion, Burgis seconded and the board voted unanimously to deny the appeal, citing a broad need to destigmatize mental health problems and mental health care as well as the established demand for such care in Contra Costa County.
26 comments
I understand NIMBY, but it has to go somewhere. No where is perfect… at least the mental health issue is trying to be addressed.
While I support having the facility and in the proposed location, I would not be surprised to see several of our supervisors utilizing the facility in the near future.
You saw what happened when Walnut Creek Council let the homeless/transients run wild. Now they have to have special Police who cater to all their needs.
We can expect to see Police extra busy in the area of the Mental hospital and many having to shelter in place when they escape.
They should be next to a hospital not a nursing/rehabilitation home and a shopping center.
Auntie,
This will be in unincorporated WC, it will be the Sheriff that has to take care of any problems. Besides, 1/12 beds will be taken up by Supervisors.
108RS
@Jeff – haha, if only we could get them committed!
@Auntie B – wow, just wow. A mental health facility serving “12-16 people” has absolutely NOTHING to do with the disgusting, ramapant homelessness brought on by the decisions of the WC supervisors or city council.
According to the article, it will serve those who are experiencing “short-term” crises, which could be anything from post-partum depression, to a senior in psychosis due to medication, to anything in between. The real, potentially dangerous “crazies” couldn’t even AFFORD the personal treatment this facility will likely offer. Sad, but VERY true.
Money talks.
Mental Health is one of the major issues in society today.
Everyone believes there need to be more and better facilities to treat the mentally ill.
Bocking any new facility, no matter where it may be, shows only that the Board of Supervisors listens more to wealthy donors than the needs of the people.
People blame Reagan for closing all of the mental health facilities.
A great step toward fixing the problem is now shut down.
Great work Sups. \
I hope you all enjoy getting voted out next election.
Did you read what the BOS did ??
“Contra Costa County supervisors at their regular meeting Tuesday denied an appeal by residents”
Reading comprehension isn’t really your thing, is it?
The Supervisors blocked an attempt to stop the facility. They didn’t block the facility itself. I think you owe them an apology.
I guess some people believe anything a politician tells them.
I have said and will continue to proclaim,
All politicians lie all of the time.
Geez, just admit that you misunderstood what the BOS actually did.
Concord will take any business with no discrection.Money is all that matters.
Are you suggesting this facility should be opening in Concord instead of Walnut Creek?
NIMBY? Get real people! Are mass shootings and homelessness a better option for your neighborhood? How about your children, your family, your neighbors and your community?
We NEED to start addressing this Nations mental health crisis and get care for those in need of it. Facilities should be where ever we can get them!
I wonder if Supervisor Burgis would object to a similar facility moving in to the house next to hers…
Glad they are opening something like that.. There needs to be more of these facilities and more mental health awareness l so ignorant people who oppose these type a facilities are educated.
You can take all the guns you want away but the one common denominator with all these shootings, are these people have an untreated mental illness. When you are physically ill nobody thinks twice about going to a doctor but when you are mentally ill nobody should think twice about getting an appointment with a psychologist.
Not everyone with a mental problem is stock raving mad.
Some years ago a care facility was proposed for a property on Kirker Pass between a church and an apartment complex. The nearby (my) neighborhood objected because they visualized crazy people running around the neighborhood. A pleasant looking facility of little townhouses was built, and seem to be occupied although I’ve never seen any human activity there.
If it’s the one I’m thinking of, I have seen residents coming and going while I waited to pick someone up from church. They look and act just like every other individual you’d see coming and going from a better townhome complex.
There has only been one Murder at that facility on Kirker Pass a number of years ago.
If you’re talking about the housing that belongs to the Presbyterian church, that’s just housing.
Diane, you Opened YOUR home or voted for the home to be in your neighborhood ?? I’m a “little offended” that you didn’t suggest this or don’t you want this type of people in your area??
There’s already a La Clinica de la Raza in her town. I don’t hear her complaining.
If there ever was a place needed it’s right there. Stigma is evil.
And the alternative is perhaps a few end up untreated, homeless, becoming known to local law enforcement until they escalate to a violent enough act to gain attention of The Courts.
Walnut Creek has become Orange County of the North. They have driven out most gas stations, fast food, and non-chain retail. There won’t be any mental health facility; the real estate is too valuable.
Just you wait….also this is not in the city limits
The Sheriff does a good job but are spread thin (less Deputies per square mile that WCPD)
“We all have mental health issues,” Gioia said. “The question is where on the continuum we fall.”
Speak for yourself John.
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