Self-Help Addiction Rehabilitation Inc. (SHAR-Macomb) recently acquired a 7-acre parcel on Chicago Road in Warren, which will be used as a rehab center for low-risk substance abusers and sex offender parolees.

Mayor Jim Fouts is not happy about the situation. He is disturbed that the organization was able to move into the area without alerting the city. Non-profits such as SHAR are not required by law to do so. Mayor Fouts is urging the state legislature to establish laws that require centers boarding ex-cons to notify the community prior to moving in.

SHAR-Macomb already moved several sex offenders into the center on June 26. Administrators for the non-profit agency are enthusiastic about the opportunity to help integrate their clients into society.

Previously a psychiatric hospital, the 70,000 square foot, three-story facility provides job training and counseling, along with 24-hour supervision and care. SHAR’s CEO Dwight Vaughter stated that the setting is ideal for providing “discrete reintegration services.” He feels that the facility provides a level of service that most parolees do not receive when integrating back into society.

Clients would be required to live in the facility for varying timeframes – 30 to 90 days for some, 6 to 9 months for others. GPS tethers will be required for some to wear, which staff members will closely supervise, as they work outside the facility.

Warren mayor and city officials take issue with the facility, which is expected to house up to 180 male clients just one-half mile away from residential neighborhoods. The city’s concerns stem from the prospective of ensuring the safety of its residents. They feel the clients housed in the facility compromise that safety.

Mayor Fouts stated that the city has requested that SHAR submit a letter detailing their security policies and procedures.

This incident, in particular, is very relevant to real estate activity. Prospective homebuyers who find out that such a facility is in the area may be deterred from buying real estate in Warren.

Home values could decrease based on the presence of such a facility. Fearing sex offenders in the immediate area could generate a rash of new listings on the housing market – more than there are already.

If that happens, home values will decrease and revenue to the city will also decrease. Vacancies cause problems and cost money for the city to monitor.

The facility is new in Warren, which means it doesn’t have a history of success in the community. If it demonstrates success, then concern over the safety of Warren’s citizens and home property values will prove to be a moot point.