The deadline for public comments on a proposal to establish a short-term detox facility adjacent to Gilbert Heights Elementary School in Southeast Portland falls on Thursday. While some parents and neighbors express safety concerns regarding the location, proponents of the project argue it aims to enhance access to treatment.
As students prepare to return to Gilbert Heights Elementary next week, they will notice significant changes nearby at 12711 SE Holgate Blvd., the site of a former retirement home. Parents like Erin Huynh are apprehensive about the facility’s proximity.
Huynh voiced her concerns, stating, “I can’t even volunteer in my kid’s classroom without a background check, and I’m pretty sure that the people at the facility won’t be subject to the same scrutiny.” Rose City Detox plans to convert the former retirement home into a 20-bed, state-licensed short-term detox and rehabilitation center, where individuals in crisis can stay for up to 10 days.
Billy Anderson, the executive director of Rose City Detox, shared that after overcoming his own struggles with heroin addiction, he is motivated to help others through his own treatment center. “We’ve implemented numerous measures to prioritize community safety before initiating these discussions,” Anderson assured.
He emphasized ongoing collaboration with the school and community to address concerns, including the addition of a fence, security cameras, and a policy of taking clients by appointment only to prevent queues. Portland city planners have the authority to reject the project if they deem it a threat to safety or neighborhood livability, as per city zoning regulations. Rose City Detox contends that their team is well-trained, and that stigma should not hinder access to essential care.
A decision from the city is expected by December 3, 2025, regarding the approval, denial, or modification of the plan. The deadline for residents to submit comments to Portland Permitting and Development was 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
