Neighbors of methadone clinic share experience

People in Monument came unglued at the thought of a methadone clinic being built in their community. They even enacted an emergency moratorium against the proposed clinic.

But Colorado Springs residents that live next to or across the street from the methadone clinic said they haven’t had any issues.

Joshua Puksac has lived across the street from the Colorado Treatment Services LLC clinic for three months. He said nothing has ever happened that concerned him.

“It’s always been quiet. People come in, do their thing, and leave. There hasn’t been a problem,” he said.

He doesn’t understand why people are opposed to the clinic in Monument.

“It’s only there to help people and everyone should be supportive of that,” he argued.

But his neighbor B.J. Clifton said she could see why people were concerned.

“I’ve never had a direct problem from the clinic but it does bring a certain element that would not normally know about the area otherwise and that can be a downside,” Clifton said.

She said if the clinic would be moved away from a park or school in Monument, it might be more well-received.

“Unfortunately, that element is often homeless or people you wouldn’t want around children,” she said.

The Colorado Treatment Services LLC didn’t return KRDO Newschannel 13’s calls for comment.

There is one other methadone clinic in Southern Colorado. It is located in Pueblo.