HIGHLAND -- Residents who organized a public hearing Wednesday night to oppose a new residential rehabilitation center found out there's not much the city can do to prevent the facility from opening in their neighborhood.

Makin Recovery Services, a Utah County-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, has made arrangements to open a new facility in a Highland neighborhood near the Alpine Country Club.

Despite residents' concerns over safety and property values, the City Council recently granted a conditional use permit to allow the center to house eight residents, rather than the four unrelated persons allowed by city zoning law.

At Wednesday's meeting, City Attorney David Church defended the council's decision because people addicted to drugs or alcohol fall under the scope of disabled individuals protected by federal and state laws. Likewise, state and federal laws prevent cities from restricting where residential treatment centers for disabled individuals can be located.

"The City Council did not roll over," said Councilman Larry Mendenhall when asked why the council didn't resist the center's requests. He added that the city could face costly litigation if it did not grant the permit, so there was little the council could do.

However, residents in the neighborhood where the proposed facility will be located do not agree with the council's decision. They do not want multiple recovering drug addicts living in their neighborhood and are upset the city did not notify them individually of the decision. Shad Brunson, a resident in the neighborhood, said he had concerns about safety. Another resident, David Dorton, said residents are primarily concerned about their children's safety but are also worried about drops in property values. Likewise, local subdivision rules specifically prevent drug rehabilitation centers from operating in the area. Residents are also leery of Makin Recovery Services receiving special treatment since it charges very expensive monthly rates to treat patients.

When asked if the city has any regulatory authority over residential facilities for people with disabilities, Church said the state Department of Human Services is responsible for regulation. He further stated that if any city laws are violated at the facility, "The city will enforce its ordinances."

Residents will be able to express their opinion on this issue Tuesday, at Highland's next City Council meeting.