Concern continues to surround proposed rehab center expansion in Melrose Twp.

<p>The township has received 68 emails and counting, most expressing reading concern that Bear River Health is applying for a special use permit to convert Elvyn Lea Lodge into an all-women’s rehab facility. (Paul Steeno){/p}

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Emails are flooding the Melrose Township Office. The topic line -- Bear River Health.

Many are concerned about the substance abuse rehab center moving to a new facility in their community.

A memo sent to the Melrose Township Planning Commission has information the commission will use to make its decision on whether to grant Bear River Health a special use permit for its new facility.

"While I certainly support the cause of substance abuse treatment, having such a facility in the current Elvyn Lea Lodge will not be harmonious with the existing character of the general vicinity of this location," one letter to the township reads.

The township has received 68 emails and counting, most expressing concern that Bear River Health is applying for a special use permit to convert Elvyn Lea Lodge into an all-women’s rehab facility.

"The criteria for a special use permit is it has to be harmonious with the area,” Melrose Township Zoning Administrator Randy Frykberg said. “It doesn't have an undue economic hardship on the township and a few other things of course but those are the two that people seem to be talking about."

Bear River Health Executive director Dan Hartman addressed the concerns surrounding the project in a statement.

"There are no secrets about our plans,” Harmon’s statement reads. “(Bear River Health) intends to help save as many lives and foster growth in as many individuals as are needed."

Bear River Health already has other facilities in the area.

One is off us-131 in Melrose Township.

An old school in Boyne Falls is the other one.

Patients don't live here. It serves as a community resource for the recovery community.

All three facilities would have different uses.

Mike Kondrat lives in the neighborhood of one of the facilities, and unlike some of his neighbors, he isn't bothered by it being here.

"Knowing a lot of neighbors around here they say look at what's in the neighborhood people with drinking and drug problems and I do understand that,” Kondrat said. “I had a drinking problem and it's a pretty bad situation when nobody wants you around. When you hit that place, you need somewhere to go."

A public hearing on all of this is taking place at the Melrose Township Hall on Monday.