Proposed methadone clinic could move in Monument

Critics of a planned methadone clinic in Monument consider it a done deal, but the mayor said Friday that a different location could be chosen.

Mayor Rafael Dominguez said he’s spoken with Mikulas Investments, the local owner of the vacant building where the clinic would open, and Florida-based Colonial Management Group, the entity that is leasing the building and will run the clinic.

“(Colonial) has already spent more that $250,000 to retrofit the building,” Dominguez said. “I know they don’t want to take a loss. Legally, they’re doing nothing wrong, and legally the city or the public can’t stop them. But I’m asking them if they will consider talking with the owner about choosing a more appropriate location.”

Methadone is a drug taken by addicts to help them gradually break their addictions to illegal drugs. Many neighbors are vehemently opposed to the clinic out of concern that it’s too close to a park and school, and that it might promote illegal drug activity in the area.

Dominguez said Mikulas is open to discussing the possibility of another location but doesn’t know if Colonial would consider it.

“This issue isn’t going to go away,” Dominguez said. “But before we can settle it, we need people to tone down their nasty comments and social media posts. If they don’t, nothing will get settled.”