DRUG ABUSE centers such as Acadia Healthcare are battling the fentanyl crisis (Shutterstock).

By Jim Tortolano/Orange County Tribune

Despite appeals from a substance abuse clinic planning to move from Santa Ana to Garden Grove, the city council voted 7-0 on Tuesday night to approve an ordinance to extend an earlier urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on the approval of such businesses.

The urgency ordinance will extend the pause on new alcohol and drug treatment centers for an additional 10 months and 15 days. The purpose of the moratorium is to give the city time to study and complete appropriate zoning for such use and the impact on the community from such centers.

Representatives from Acadia Healthcare, a national chain of substance abuse centers, addressed the council to plead their case. Paul Simons said that his organization provided the “solution” to the fentanyl crisis which has grown dramatically in recent years.

The location chosen for the relocation is 8132 Garden Grove Blvd., a short distance east of Beach Boulevard, and close to where the city limits of Garden Grove, Stanton and Westminster converge. It is an area known to have problems with homeless encampments, crime and other issues.

Also on Tuesday night, the council approved a purchase order for the purchase of 15 patrol vehicles – sport utility – at the cost of $813,766.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 13.