TROTWOOD, Ohio (WKEF)– Mixed feelings in Trotwood Wednesday night about the plan to redevelop the former Hara Arena site.
The community made their voices heard at a town hall about the new behavioral health hospital the state is looking to bring to the site.
While some are in support, not everyone thinks it’s a good idea.
“We do not feel that this is the best neighborhood for this type of facility. We fully understand the need for mental health services in this region; however we think there is a location that is better suited and would accommodate the needs that the state has conveyed to us,” said Stephanie Kellum, deputy city manager for the City of Trotwood.
Trotwood City Council and community members gathered Wednesday afternoon to discuss the state’s proposed plan to bring a behavioral health hospital to the former Hara Arena site.
City Mayor Yvette Page made it clear it’s not what the council wants for the site’s future, but they’re open to other locations.
“We did not say we did not want it in Trotwood. It’s just at this location,” said Page.
Some residents agree that the site is not fit for a mental health facility, while others disagree.
“It provides over 500 living wage jobs in the City of TrotwoodI see this a s a huge win for the City of Trotwood,” said one resident.
“I don’t have any objection against people who have mental illness. I have empathy and compassion for them, but when you’ve got criminals who have killed people and then they declare mental illness I don’t want them in my backyard,” said another Trotwood resident.
In that townhall Mayor Page read a letter she sent to Governor DeWine, saying there was no proper communication between the city and the state.
“Trotwood officials have not been provided with any information about such a project, thus hindering my ability to affectively convey accurate information to my community,” said Page.
Even though the Ohio Controlling Board approved the $2.5 million land purchase, Page said she’s not giving up without a fight.
If you weren’t able to make it to Wednesday’s town hall, you can still express your opinion.
There will be another one on November 18th from 6-8 p.m. at the Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center.
You can find previous coverage of this story here: Ohio to buy former Hara Arena site for $2.5 million for new mental health facility