A compromise has been found to allow a drug and alcohol treatment center to remain open on Syracuse's southwest side, over the objections of neighborhood groups. Our Bill Carey says the center, on Lincoln Avenue, will be in business now through at least August.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- For years, the building at 168 Lincoln Avenue has served as a home for the developmentally disabled. Then, changes came last year as Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare, which treats drug and alcohol addiction, moved in along with clients that neighbors found unacceptable.

"They are incompetent in managing it. We had instances of public drunkenness, drug use, drug sales, prostitution. All sorts of problems ripping apart our neighborhood," said Phil Prehn of Syracuse United Neighbors.

Neighbors came to City Hall to complain their area of the city is already home to a sewage treatment plant, the Oxford Inn, a homeless shelter and several other treatment centers. They say enough is enough.

But clients and staff of Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare came as well, packing the chambers of the Syracuse Common Council as lawmakers prepared to vote on a compromise deal, allowing the new center for treatment to operate for 6 months while under close study by the city.

"We're going to have a six month review. We're going to have a committee meeting in five months to make sure that we're on top of all this and that they are being a good neighbor and that they're participating in the community," said Syracuse Common Councilor Kathleen Joy.

The center's staff argued that to refuse the permit would be to cut off a chance for full recovery for those in need of help.

"What's lost is the opportunity for 30 people, at any given time, to be living in a stable, sober, alcohol and drug-free environment, pursuing their educational and work dreams and goals," said Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare President Jeremy Klemanski.

In the end, lawmakers blasted Klemanski and others for past practices, but went along with the permit. Only one councilor voting no.

"It appears to me, Jeremy, that you didn't get it and you still don't get it. This is not about fair housing for recovery. It's about being a good neighbor," said Syracuse Common Councilor William Ryan.

The battle could resume this summer, if the center fails to meet the neighborhood's goals.