A proposed methadone clinic is planning to move into a portion of the former JCPenney's in Austintown Plaza after being approved by the zoning board of appeals in 2023.

Those not supporting the clinic told township officials they worry about its location, along with safety and quality of life being affected. While trustees agree there could be problems that arise, their hands are tied.

"It doesn't work," said one woman to township officials during Monday's trustees meeting. "They don't care if you use other drugs. It's not a good thing for Austintown."

21 News has reported several of these facilities in Mahoning County. People living in the area came to township officials, questioning if Concerted Care Group's methadone clinic location, let alone the proposal, is the best option.

"I'm not taking my child there to Buffalo Wild Wings to eat, to Austintown Bounce, to the pet store, or the gym," another woman added. "There's not that opportunity to avoid a methadone clinic."

Trustee Bruce Shepas owns Austintown Bounce, an indoor play center located a few businesses away from where the clinic would be located. He has continued to voice his disapproval of the clinic from moving in.

Residents continue to share concerns over whether this could bring a nuisance, loitering, or potential drug-related criminal activity to an area where families frequent local shops and restaurants.

Others demanding the township be more transparent with upcoming zoning meetings.

"This same company did this in Stafford, Virginia," said one woman in the crowd. "And the judge ruled that the community found out too late to do anything about it. I find it very convenient that this seems to have happened here as well."

"I'd like to know what the plan is because it doesn't seem like there's a plan with the potential increase in crime," said one woman in the crowd.

While Trustee Robert Santos said he has his concerns, he explained the trustees have no control or power over zoning decisions.

"I don't anticipate any major, major issues," Santos said. "Do I sense that something may arise, just like we did with some other businesses that come in, we have a very fine police department. They are very responsive and they are going to increase patrols there."

Santos added safety of residents is a top priority and they'll do what they can to advocate for their concerns. 

He also passed out contact information for the Maryland-based methadone clinic for residents to voice their disapproval of the township's branch. 

21 News looked into the company last month and found it is in "good standing and there are no violations, complaints, resident concerns, or fines," according to documentation from Cecil County in Maryland.

Concerted Care Group has filed paperwork with the township zoning department, which is looking over construction drawings.

As of April 2024, there's no timeline for when the facility could open.