Ghent Neighborhood Concerns to be heard April 20th, 2010
Many Ghent, West Ghent and Ghent Square residents have raised concerns regarding a possible new regional crisis center on Redgate Avenue in Ghent. It has been learned that the Norfolk Community Services Board (“CSB”) is currently in negotiations with Sentara to lease the former Discovery Day Care building in the 800 block of Redgate Avenue to use as a regional crisis center. The NCSB representatives have confirmed that the Redgate Avenue building is one of several possible locations under consideration. Interested or concerned residents are encouraged to attend a presentation by the Norfolk Community Services Board on the proposed use of the site on TUESDAY APRIL 20th at 7pm at Taylor Elementary School hosted by the West Ghent Civic League.
It has been reported that this regional facility would house individuals with behavioral issues in varying degrees of crisis, ranging from people unable to make decisions for themselves to those in eminent danger of harming themselves. It is also reported it will service individuals not just from our city but from the entire region and that some of the individuals will require a police escort to this facility. Current zoning does not allow the proposed use and any such proposal would require City Council approval to rezone the property.