Jackson City Council vote may give rehab center free property
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Help could be on the way for West Tennesseans trying to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. Aspell Recovery Center is in need of expansion, and a proposal by the Jackson City Council could give them that much needed space. “We’re grateful for the city’s support and the community’s support,” Aspell’s Executive Director Richard Barber said. The center helps treat and house those with drug and alcohol addiction. They work to provide affordable housing for those recovering and on Tuesday could benefit greatly from the city council’s vote. “Certainly they have been supportive of our expansion over the last 10 years, and we look forward to working with them on this property,” Barber said. Barber said he is hopeful the council will approve the transfer Tuesday on the midtown property. If passed, Aspell would be given the land free of charge. Once renovated, it would provide enough space to house eight more people. “Residents have to sign on their lease they’ll be alcohol and drug free and they won’t allow family or friends to bring it on the property,” Barber said. Director of planning for Jackson, Stan Pilant, said this has been in talks for a few months and is a win-win for both parties. “It will need some work, and that’s what Aspell will be doing,” Pilant said. “They’ll be renovating it and going through the process of making it habitable again.” Pilant said Aspell expressed interest in putting work into the property to house recovering addicts affordably. “It’s a piece of property that’s in bad shape now and anything that’s done to improve it and make it productive again will be a positive aspect for that neighborhood,” he said. Barber said right now at least a dozen people are on their wait list for independent living. If the council approves the transfer, Aspell will begin work toward renovations immediately, Barber said. They plan to spend $50,000 on the repairs.
