|
OUR OPINION: STATE HOSPITAL Keep those ideas coming
Ideas are coming fast and furious regarding the future of the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center campus.
Crow Wing County Commissioner Terry Sluss proposed a methamphetamine treatment center for pregnant women and women who have children under age 8. He proposes using 60,000 square feet of the center that will be vacated by mental health programs as the state switches to from regional state facilities to smaller, 16-bed hospitals in the community.
At last week's county board meeting, Rep. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, supported the possible relocation of Mille Lacs Academy, now in Onamia, to the state campus. Mille Lacs Academy is proposing a $5 million building project for a facility that would employ 143 full-time employees. The academy treats boys 10-18 who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviors. It's licensed to treat 95 boys currently. Crow Wing County is one of its largest referral sources.
While there are many challenges to be met before either proposal becomes reality, it's encouraging to see potential uses for the state campus come to the forefront. The state site has too many positive aspects to just sit vacant.
Both projects have the potential to be excellent uses for the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center and the county board should explore them as well as encouraging the state to continue the current laundry services on the campus.
It's interesting to note the spokesmen for the two major proposals to revitalize the former state hospital site have been candidates in the Senate District 12 race for the Legislature, Sluss, a DFLer and Koering, a Republican. Jessica Ringwelski, a third candidate, who is seeking the DFL nod, has also weighed in on the issue of keeping jobs at the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center.
If this sort of brainstorming is the result of political competition, then bring on the 2006 campaign.
|
Mostly Clear, 80°
