Joseph White, executive director of the Foundation for Family Life, met with community members Thursday morning to discuss the proposed sober houses he plans to place within Price City limits in the near future.
Approximately 100 residents gathered in the Price Civic Auditorium to voice their concerns and pose questions to White. Nearly two dozen of them took to the microphone, some in favor of the proposed sober houses while many had a more guarded stance.
Price City Mayor Joe Piccolo began the meeting thanking those in attendance.
“You are making good government better by being here,” he said.
White then took the microphone, describing his program and how it can help local citizens battling substance abuse and alcohol.
Many citizens who voiced their opinions were sympathetic to what White is attempting to accomplish and that a program such as the one offered is needed in the community, but they also had a multiplicity of concerns ranging from child safety to parking issues.
“Can you guarantee my children’s safety?” one concerned parent asked.
Representatives from Four Corners Community Behavioral Health were present as well as Debbie Marvidakis from the Hope Squad of Carbon and Emery Counties.
By the end of the meeting, though, those who live closest to the 1616 Pinion Circle proposed sober house seemed to be of one accord in that they don’t want it in their neighborhood.
Jake Mellor, owner of both proposed sober house locations, said in a text message Thursday night that his 1616 Pinion Circle rental would not be considered further for a possible sober house location.
Another meeting with White is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Price Civic Auditorium to give citizens who could not attend the previous meeting a chance to voice their opinions.