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In Maryland, concerned residents of Dundalk are voicing their objections to a proposed inpatient drug treatment center that aims to house close to 50 patients. The facility, which is planned for Eastern Avenue, will be built by Ben Cox, a local businessman and a recovering addict who has been sober for 28 years. He has successfully operated other treatment facilities in neighboring areas like Lutherville and Fallston. The proposed project will feature a 13,000 square foot facility that includes 46 beds, counseling services, and close supervision. Cox describes it as a more intensive version of a halfway house, emphasizing that it will provide additional therapy and support. However, residents are apprehensive about the facility's proximity to their homes, expressing concerns regarding potential increases in neighborhood crime and safety risks. Many neighbors fear that the treatment center situated just 46 feet from residential areas could disrupt their community's sense of safety and security. Efforts to engage residents in the planning process have included town hall meetings where they could express their views and learn more about the facility. Community members like Kelly Love-Rayner have highlighted specific worries about how the presence of the treatment center would affect local safety and property values. In response, Cox acknowledges residents’ concerns about safety and assures that he understands their perspectives, urging community members to attend meetings to discuss the plan more thoroughly. As this situation develops, balancing the needs of those seeking recovery with the concerns of the community remains a crucial challenge for both Cox and local residents. The debate emphasizes the ongoing struggle many communities face in addressing addiction treatment while ensuring neighborhood safety.