Update: Town of Monument settles lawsuit over methadone clinic
The town of Monument says that it has settled a lawsuit that was filed by a company that tried to establish a methadone clinic in the northern El Paso County town.
Town Manager Chris Lowe confirmed to KRDO NewsChannel 13 that Monument agreed to pay $350,000 to Colonial Management Group. Lowe said the money will come out of the town’s general fund, and will not result in any programs or jobs being cut.
Mayor Rafael Dominguez said it was worth the financial cost to ensure Colonial Management Group never again tries to set up shop in Monument.
“The Town Board has always been concerned that the town follow the law in this matter. However, the significant financial contribution by the town was justified, because the board felt it was important for all residents of the town that not only should the claims be settled, but also under the condition that CMG not be allowed to ever locate in the town of Monument. We are thankful that we could come to a settlement to allow all parties to move on from this lawsuit,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez went on to say that Monument will continue to pursue legal strategies to make sure it doesn’t end up in a similar situation in the future while making sure town ordinances are legal and fair.
Since August, citizens have been fighting to keep the proposed methadone clinic out of Monument.
“The community stopped it. It wasn’t town hall that solved the problem. The community is solving this problem,” said Greg Coopman, Board of Trustee candidate.
The Colonial Management Group sued the town when they were denied a business license.
The clinic would have opened across the street from a park. Some worried it would increase crime in the area.
“It’s a very dangerous company. Anybody with a little time to do the research will find out this has no place for our community, certainly not across the street from a park,” said Coopman.
While opponents of the clinic say they’re relieved to hear this decision, they still have some concerns.
“We have a right to have a voice for the community. So until we know exactly what the details are, we’re happy at this point, we’re glad we got here, but we’re still optimistically looking and being cautious,” said Tom Allen, chairman of No Methadone in Monument organization.
Mayor Dominguez says the town is ready to move on.
“We got pretty much what we wanted and primarily the protection of this town and do the right thing for the citizens. So we’re very happy with the outcome now we push forward and looking towards all the positive things going on around here,” said Dominquez.
The Colonial Management Group was not available for comment.
