On Thursday, March 10, Kenneth Taylor, CEO of Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care – which had been planning on building a recovery center in Des Moines’ Woodmont neighborhood – sent a letter to the City of Des Moines announcing that they “have decided not to pursue this project.” Valley Cities has withdrawn all permit applications that were pending for the campus as well. In addition, Valley Cities is asking the city to “refund all of the development and permit fees that Valley Cities has paid to date for this project.” Here’s the full letter:

March 10, 1016 Dear Mr. Tony Piasecki, The purpose of this letter is to formally notify you that Valley Cities is withdrawing the Conditional Use Permit LUA 2014-0038 and all associated permit applications, including the design review and the building permit, that are pending for the Woodmont Recovery Campus. We have decided not to pursue this project. I also request that the City refund all of the development and permit fees that Valley Cities has paid to date for this project. In addition, it is our understanding that the City of Des Moines is considering adding allowed uses to the zoning regulations for properties zoned Woodmont Commercial south of south 268th Street. As you know, Valley Cities recently announced that we have entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement on our property in Des Moines (see attached.) We would like you to know that we fully support adding uses to the Woodmont Commercial zone, particularly mixed use, and encourage the City Council to approve such additions. Sincerely, Kenneth Taylor, CEO Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care
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6 replies on “It's official – Valley Cities will no longer pursue Woodmont Recovery Center”

  1. With a one page letter, the long awaited notice has finally arrived. No Woodmont Recovery Center. Valley Cities has withdrawn It’s permits and interest in building their mega recovery center in Woodmont. The Woodmont community has won the battle that started back in August, when most just learned of it. It was always the location, not that the needs weren’t needed. But in the long run, no losers between the two. Valley Cities will still build the recovery center in Kent. Where they will continue to treat the people who need their help, like Valley Cities has done for 50 years. I congratulate all involved in moving this facility to a safer more reliable location. It shows that with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals. And thank you Ken Taylor for “making a wrong, a right”…Rr

  2. With a one page letter, the long awaited notice has finally arrived. No Woodmont Recovery Center. Valley Cities has withdrawn It’s permits and interest in building their mega recovery center in Woodmont. The Woodmont community has won the battle that started back in August, when most just learned of it. It was always the location, not that the needs weren’t needed. But in the long run, no losers between the two. Valley Cities will still build the recovery center in Kent. Where they will continue to treat the people who need their help, like Valley Cities has done for 50 years. I congratulate all involved in moving this facility to a safer more reliable location. It shows that with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals. And thank you Ken Taylor for “making a wrong, a right”…Rr

  3. Good riddance. Des Moines police can’t keep up with the horrendous crime wave we are having now. It would not be right to put this drug center which would be a magnet to druggies, in our small community. They made the right decision because should NOT be on the taxpayer’s nickel.

  4. Good riddance. Des Moines police can’t keep up with the horrendous crime wave we are having now. It would not be right to put this drug center which would be a magnet to druggies, in our small community. They made the right decision because should NOT be on the taxpayer’s nickel.

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