Advocates of proposed Highland drug rehab vow tandem lawsuits

(Daily Herald) The fight over a proposed drug rehab in Highland has gotten messy.

Late Thursday, the judge who overturned approval for the rehab last week declined to "stay" his decision. On Friday, city staff announced that the rehab company and its supporters will file tandem district and federal lawsuits.

In December, residents had legally challenged a September council decision allowing a drug rehab to be operated in a residential neighborhood. Last week, Highland announced that approval had been overturned. The company that hopes to operate the rehab, Alpine Treatment Services, asked the judge to "stay" his decision so the case can move to district court.

Late Thursday, Highland announced the judge had declined to stay the decision. On Friday, city staff said they have been informed by lawyers for the company that the company will appeal in district court, in tandem with a federal suit by the Utah Disability Law Center. The company maintains that Highland must legally allow the rehab center, despite the judge's decision.

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