BEDFORD CO., Va. – Update:
A Bedford County mental health and substance abuse business is at the center of a neighborhood zoning dispute — and the fight is far from over.
Mainstream Mental Health Services was issued a zoning violation by Bedford County, ordering the business to stop operations. The county opened an inquiry in late March after neighbors raised concerns about the business and its clients. Following a review of zoning records, officials determined the activity on the property conflicted with the area’s agricultural and residential zoning.
But Mainstream pushed back, filing an appeal.
On Tuesday, Bedford County’s Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing where concerned parents voiced their opinions. The board voted to allow Mainstream to remain fully operational for 30 days while the appeal works its way through the court system.
According to its website, Mainstream Mental Health Services offers temporary housing, substance abuse counseling and mental health counseling.
Michael Morris, Mainstream Mental Health Services president and CEO, described the nature of the program.
“It’s temporary housing, as soon as we get them clean, a job, and a permanent place to live, they graduate,” Morris said.
The dispute began months ago when a neighbor contacted 10 News with concerns about the business and its clients, alleging that residents had approached his children asking for alcohol. The neighbor also raised concerns about the distance from local law enforcement.
Original:
A zoning dispute over a mental health services business operating in a Bedford neighborhood has escalated to a formal violation — and the property owner is expected to appeal that decision before the Bedford County Board of Supervisors Tuesday evening.
The issue centers on Mainstream Mental Health Services, which has been operating in an area zoned for agricultural and residential use. A local viewer first brought the situation to 10 News’ attention in early March, expressing concern about a so-called camp running in his neighborhood — and alleging that some patrons had approached his children.
Months in the making
The viewer took those concerns directly to the Bedford County Board of Supervisors via email. At the time, 10 News reached out to the board, which indicated it was looking into the matter.
After further investigation, 10 News identified Mainstream Mental Health Services as the organization operating out of the space. 10 News then spoke with Michael Morris, president and CEO of Mainstream Mental Health Services, Inc., about the facility’s purpose.
“It’s temporary housing, as soon as we get them clean, a job, and a permanent place to live, they graduate,” Morris said.
Violation issued, appeal filed
Weeks later, toward the end of March, Bedford County initiated a formal investigation into the operation. The county’s Board of Zoning Appeals subsequently issued a zoning violation to Mainstream Mental Health Services, citing the area’s agricultural and residential zoning designation as incompatible with the business’s operation.
Mainstream Mental Health Services is now appealing that violation. The matter is expected to be front and center at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
10 News will be on the ground at the meeting to report on the latest developments.