Mixed Reviews Of Plymouth's Hazelden Expansion

Tucked near Medicine Lake in a quiet setting of forest and water sits Hazelden Center for Youth and Families. The well-known treatment facility for young adults in Plymouth has a private and secluded space, but the news of a $30 million expansion hasn’t been met with tranquility.

Some Plymouth residents have concerns about the rehabilitation center doubling its size.

“I know that Hazelden does a lot of good in the community, but I don’t support the expansion,” said Plymouth resident Rebecca Schmidt. “If a bigger population of addicts is allowed to congregate in that area I believe it will only lead to trouble in the neighborhood.”

While Schmidt admits she can’t think of any problems at Hazelden in the past, she believes an expansion would lend itself to them. And she isn’t the only one with concerns. Tad Thorstenson sent his concerns to the Plymouth Planning Commission.

“With the addition of Hazelden our property taxes are sure to go down,” he said. “At present there are a number of mental health and drug abuse programs in that area and many of their residents have committed crimes.  Shouldn’t there be a limit to the number of criminals in a designated area?”

Hazelden’s Executive Director Jim Steinhagen says no one is more concerned about safety than he is.

“Safety is our top priority,” Steinhagen said. “We want our residents, staff and neighborhood to be safe.”

Steinhagen believes young addicts are often associated with bad reputations.

“There is a stigma associated with addicts, but we have a stringent screening process and the young adults we treat are sick and they need our help," he said.

The expansion will add 32 beds, a new gym and fitness center, more classrooms and family space. The expansion will especially help the underserved female population. 

“Research shows us that young men and women abuse substances equally, yet there aren’t enough resources for females,” Steinhagen said. “We want to change that and offer girls the same extended treatment option as their male counterparts.”

For Phil Lindau, the expansion is a welcomed change.

“I have known families that have used the Hazelden facility and believe they offer top notch care to families in need,” Lindau said.

Lindau lives just one block from the facility.

“I put Hazelden on the same par with the Mayo Clinic and we’re fortunate to have such a high caliber facility in the state,” he said.

Both the planning commission and Plymouth City Council approved Hazelden’s expansion plans this month. Hazelden hopes to start construction next month and expects the building process to take about two years.