December 11, 2008

Mr. David L. Cohen

City Clerk

City of Daphne Legislative Dept

P.O. Box 400

Daphne, Alabama  36526

Dear Mr. Cohen:

I am writing this letter with regards to concerns recently expressed by many residents of the Daphne community. Our complaint is that a business license was granted to the Townsend Recovery Center and they have been allowed to operate since January, 2007 in the administration building of Mercy Medical on Villa Drive. We do not believe that this is a suitable use of the property for several reasons:

   1)      Townsend Recovery Center is located within close proximity to several schools, daycare facilities and parks.

   2)      Safety and security is a considerable concern. We have a large population of vulnerable citizens both young and old living within the surrounding area of Townsend.

   3)      Erratic and increased traffic has been reported when the Townsend patients are attending the facility.

    4)     Mercy Medical promised that there would be no increase in patient population when they were granted the variance to expand the administration building and parking area.

   5)      The variance was granted in good faith to a non-profit organization serving the needs of the elderly and infirmed. Townsend is a for-profit rehab program.

   6)      There will be nothing stopping Townsend, once the business license is renewed, from     expanding to a residential facility.

At the present time myself and Holly Colclough has agreed to address the council. There may be a last minute change due to scheduling conflicts.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this matter and the opportunity to address the Council.

Sincerely,

Christopher Hill

Concerned Citizen