Council to Discuss Rehab Center’s Move

A proposal to convert a downtown office building into a drug rehabilitation center will be discussed tonight by the City Council.

Primary Purpose, a nonprofit drug and alcohol rehabilitation center is planning to move from its location at 5th and H streets to vacant property on South D Street to use as its main facility for treating clients.

But neighbors have complained that the facility will create blight in the neighborhood in addition to bringing in people with serious drug and alcohol problems.

On Wednesday, nearly 45 members of the Wilson Neighborhood Council met to discuss the issue and they voted to remain neutral. Despite some opposition, many residents are in favor of the project.

“For 15 years they have an excellent track record,” said Joe O’Neill, an attorney who lives in the neighborhood.

“It’s a program with a lot of integrity. I welcome them to the neighborhood. You’ve got a program for rehabbing drunks that operates on a strict code of conduct and strict rules.”

Primary Purpose Executive Director Marina Ross said they plan on keeping their area well manicured and without loitering.

“We have very strict rules,” said Ross, noting that the center has been in Oxnard since 1974. “Clients are in a structured program; they are not free to come and go. We don’t allow former clients to come back and visit. We don’t want this to be a hangout. We never allowed it to be a hangout.”

The council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.