Monday, September 8, 2008
Interlocutory appeal denied; final trial date set
The Tennessee Court of Appeals denied Centerstone's request for an interlocutory appeal. To be fair, this kind of appeal is usually not granted anyway. The next time that either side will have a chance to appeal will be at the end of the case after the final trial. The final trial date is set for December 17, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. The temporary restraining order previously granted by Judge Robert L. Holloway will stay in effect at least until that date, thus preventing Centerstone from using 1000 Rolling Fields Circle as its "Jackson Hall."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Daily Herald Story front page story on TRO
Patients ordered to leave mental facility
By D. FRANK SMITH/dfsmith@c-dh.net
A temporary restraining order handed down Thursday by a Maury County judge requires Centerstone’s Rolling Fields facility to vacate by August 7.The mental health facility at 1000 Rolling Fields Circle has only been open for about three weeks, but Maury County Circuit Court Judge Robert Holloway ordered it to be shut down within 14 days pending a final hearing on the issue. The results of a future hearing could make the shutdown permanent, he wrote.The two-story facility houses up to eight mentally ill “consumers” that could suffer a wide range of illnesses, including dementia, depression or schizophrenia, according to a Centerstone representative. They recieve treatment for their condition in the form of medication and counseling sessions in an effort to reintegrate them into society.Holloway’s ruling came after testimony from Columbia police officers on their experiences investigating a number of incidents at the facility’s former location, Jackson Hall. In many cases, the consumers had made suicidal threats, according to the testimony.The judge wrote in the temporary injunction that the state statute protecting similar group homes did not apply to Centerstone’s facility because those staying there could not be classified as mentally handicapped.
“Mentally handicapped does not include persons who are mentally ill, and because of such mental illness pose a likelihood of serious harm,” Holloway wrote.
The restraining order was filed by Rolling Fields resident Mary “Marie” Voss, who lives next door to the facility. Her attorney Jason Whatley is also a resident of the neighborhood. He said the Thursday injunction was a victory for all in Rolling Fields, but it isn’t over.“We fully recognize that this fight isn’t over,” he said. “We’ll be gearing up for whatever comes next.”
Centerstone’s attorney J. Russell Parkes said he was dissapointed in the judge’s ruling. “We hope this ruling will not displace any of the handicapped invididuals,” he said.A date for the final hearing has not yet been set, but Parkes said he and his clients may file for an expedited appeal in the near future.
Story created Jul 25, 2008 - 13:40:31 EDT.
By D. FRANK SMITH/dfsmith@c-dh.net
A temporary restraining order handed down Thursday by a Maury County judge requires Centerstone’s Rolling Fields facility to vacate by August 7.The mental health facility at 1000 Rolling Fields Circle has only been open for about three weeks, but Maury County Circuit Court Judge Robert Holloway ordered it to be shut down within 14 days pending a final hearing on the issue. The results of a future hearing could make the shutdown permanent, he wrote.The two-story facility houses up to eight mentally ill “consumers” that could suffer a wide range of illnesses, including dementia, depression or schizophrenia, according to a Centerstone representative. They recieve treatment for their condition in the form of medication and counseling sessions in an effort to reintegrate them into society.Holloway’s ruling came after testimony from Columbia police officers on their experiences investigating a number of incidents at the facility’s former location, Jackson Hall. In many cases, the consumers had made suicidal threats, according to the testimony.The judge wrote in the temporary injunction that the state statute protecting similar group homes did not apply to Centerstone’s facility because those staying there could not be classified as mentally handicapped.
“Mentally handicapped does not include persons who are mentally ill, and because of such mental illness pose a likelihood of serious harm,” Holloway wrote.
The restraining order was filed by Rolling Fields resident Mary “Marie” Voss, who lives next door to the facility. Her attorney Jason Whatley is also a resident of the neighborhood. He said the Thursday injunction was a victory for all in Rolling Fields, but it isn’t over.“We fully recognize that this fight isn’t over,” he said. “We’ll be gearing up for whatever comes next.”
Centerstone’s attorney J. Russell Parkes said he was dissapointed in the judge’s ruling. “We hope this ruling will not displace any of the handicapped invididuals,” he said.A date for the final hearing has not yet been set, but Parkes said he and his clients may file for an expedited appeal in the near future.
Story created Jul 25, 2008 - 13:40:31 EDT.
Friday, July 25, 2008
TRO Granted: Letter to Residents
It is with great pleasure that I reaffirm what most of you have already learned via the press that the Maury County Chancery Court has granted our temporary restraining order. This order requires that Centerstone vacate the premises of 1000 Rolling Fields Circle within two (2) weeks of the order, on or about August 7, 2008.
The Court founded its opinion upon two areas of law. First, the Court opined that the Centerstone consumers were not “residents” as assumed and defined by law. The Court focused on Centerstone’s own application for grant money, as well as testimony, that the average length of stay for consumers was 5.05 days. The Court described this short stay as being more “transient” by nature and otherwise not consistent with the stated purposes of the statute at issue, i.e., to remove any obstacles for such persons to live in single-family zoned areas. I would add that Centerstone consumers are no more prohibited than any of us in living in Rolling Fields, buying or renting, etc. They just want to do it in the form of a commercial treatment facility, a means in violation of our state and local zoning laws.
The Court also agreed with our point that Centerstone consumers do pose a “substantial likelihood of serious harm,” thus taking them from outside of the subject zoning exceptions.
This order means that Centerstone will not be able to occupy the residence during the litigation, a process that could take several months to over a year. Because it is “temporary,” the court will review at trial whether the injunction should be made permanent. Under normal circumstances, any appeal from an adverse court decision would be made after trial, whenever that occurs. However, in this case, Centerstone could choose to effect an “interlocutory” appeal, one that is allowed even while the litigation is pending. If we oppose this, it is certainly not guaranteed that the Court of Appeals would agree to take the appeal (as such is their discretion). However, any appeal taken at the end of a trial is a matter of right.
If Centerstone does not attempt to appeal at this time, it is my belief that their lawyers will push this matter to a speedy trial. At trial, Centerstone would undoubtedly try to challenge some of the findings of facts as made by the Court at this stage in an effort to better position itself before the Court of Appeals in a post-trial appeal. It is actually possible that Centerstone would be allowed to appeal both now (interlocutorily) and after trial, processes that would take a very long time.
The bottom line is that we are standing in a very good position at this point. Although the fight is far from over in that the Court could, at trial, reverse itself, I am very pleased. I hope you are as well.
Our next step will be determined by Centerstone’s decision regarding an interlocutory appeal. Any such appeal would essentially place on hold the ultimate trial of this cause, although the discovery process would go forward in the meantime. I will keep you updated as to this.
Congratulations thus far to all Rolling Fields residents!
Jason Whatley
The Court founded its opinion upon two areas of law. First, the Court opined that the Centerstone consumers were not “residents” as assumed and defined by law. The Court focused on Centerstone’s own application for grant money, as well as testimony, that the average length of stay for consumers was 5.05 days. The Court described this short stay as being more “transient” by nature and otherwise not consistent with the stated purposes of the statute at issue, i.e., to remove any obstacles for such persons to live in single-family zoned areas. I would add that Centerstone consumers are no more prohibited than any of us in living in Rolling Fields, buying or renting, etc. They just want to do it in the form of a commercial treatment facility, a means in violation of our state and local zoning laws.
The Court also agreed with our point that Centerstone consumers do pose a “substantial likelihood of serious harm,” thus taking them from outside of the subject zoning exceptions.
This order means that Centerstone will not be able to occupy the residence during the litigation, a process that could take several months to over a year. Because it is “temporary,” the court will review at trial whether the injunction should be made permanent. Under normal circumstances, any appeal from an adverse court decision would be made after trial, whenever that occurs. However, in this case, Centerstone could choose to effect an “interlocutory” appeal, one that is allowed even while the litigation is pending. If we oppose this, it is certainly not guaranteed that the Court of Appeals would agree to take the appeal (as such is their discretion). However, any appeal taken at the end of a trial is a matter of right.
If Centerstone does not attempt to appeal at this time, it is my belief that their lawyers will push this matter to a speedy trial. At trial, Centerstone would undoubtedly try to challenge some of the findings of facts as made by the Court at this stage in an effort to better position itself before the Court of Appeals in a post-trial appeal. It is actually possible that Centerstone would be allowed to appeal both now (interlocutorily) and after trial, processes that would take a very long time.
The bottom line is that we are standing in a very good position at this point. Although the fight is far from over in that the Court could, at trial, reverse itself, I am very pleased. I hope you are as well.
Our next step will be determined by Centerstone’s decision regarding an interlocutory appeal. Any such appeal would essentially place on hold the ultimate trial of this cause, although the discovery process would go forward in the meantime. I will keep you updated as to this.
Congratulations thus far to all Rolling Fields residents!
Jason Whatley
Monday, July 7, 2008
Daily Herald Gets it Wrong
In its July 4, 2008 front page article, the Columbia Daily Herald announced that Judge Robert L. Holloway had "denied" the requested temporary restraining order against Centerstone. That is absolutely false. The Judge actually granted a restraining order that, while stopping short of ordering Centerstone to vacate the premesis, mandated that Centerstone follow the dictates of a statute that was hotly debated in the July 1, 2008 court hearing regarding whether these Centerstone "consumers" pose a serious threat of harm to themselves or others. The Court actually denied Centerstone's request to dismiss the motion for temporary restraining order and, most importantly, took under advisement the question of whether the facility will be temporarily shut down completely pending the outcome of this litigation. That decision is expected in a couple of weeks as the judge is currently reviewing volumes of documens and, soon, post trial briefs.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Consideration of TRO still pending...
On Tuesday, July 1, 2008, the second half of Ms. Voss' hearing before the Maury County Circuit Court for the purpose of seeking a temporary restraining order ("T.R.O.") was held. Many Rolling Fields residents were in attendance. Testifying were four Columbia Police Department officers, a long-term supervisor of Jackson Hall and Ms. Voss. The Court also accepted into evidence all available dispatch and police reports.
The major issues of the case were taken under advisement by the Court. Also, post-trial briefs were ordered to be prepared by counsel. It is expected that a decision on the issuance of a T.R.O. could come in about two (2) weeks (to give time for the post-trial briefs).
I will update the community with more information once it is available.
Thanks to all who attended!
The major issues of the case were taken under advisement by the Court. Also, post-trial briefs were ordered to be prepared by counsel. It is expected that a decision on the issuance of a T.R.O. could come in about two (2) weeks (to give time for the post-trial briefs).
I will update the community with more information once it is available.
Thanks to all who attended!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Court date changed! July 1, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. new court date!
The court date of June 20, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. regarding the requested temporary restraining order in the Voss. v. Centerstone matter as pending in the Maury County Circuit Court has been changed. The new date is July 1, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the Maury County Courthouse.
The new court date is now ordered by the court and is unlikely to change. We are encouraging as manner residents as possible to be present. Please make plans to arrive early as you will have to go through security at the courthouse. Enter at the east door only.
The purpose of this next hearing is to finalize our request for a temporary restraining order whereby Centerstone will be prohibited from either using the subject facility altogether or will have some other restrictive order placed upon them. The hearing is a continuation of our last hearing.
Please also remember that many residents will attempt to speak to the Columbia City Council tonight at the 7:30 p.m. meeting. Note, however, that this opportunity comes during a “public comments” section and is at the end of their agenda. Therefore, I have been warned that our opportunity could come late in the evening. I hope to see many of you there.
The new court date is now ordered by the court and is unlikely to change. We are encouraging as manner residents as possible to be present. Please make plans to arrive early as you will have to go through security at the courthouse. Enter at the east door only.
The purpose of this next hearing is to finalize our request for a temporary restraining order whereby Centerstone will be prohibited from either using the subject facility altogether or will have some other restrictive order placed upon them. The hearing is a continuation of our last hearing.
Please also remember that many residents will attempt to speak to the Columbia City Council tonight at the 7:30 p.m. meeting. Note, however, that this opportunity comes during a “public comments” section and is at the end of their agenda. Therefore, I have been warned that our opportunity could come late in the evening. I hope to see many of you there.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Community Rally a complete success!
Over 90 of our residents showed up in a demonstration of their opposition to Centerstone's Jackson Hall. The event was coordinated by our committee of concerned citizens, including George Nuber, Susan Clasby, Ray Woody, David Brown and A.C. Howell. Marie Voss, one of the new Jackson Hall's immediate neighbors, hosted the event. Ms. Voss, the widow of Sheriff Bill Voss, voiced her concerns for her safety, especially in light of recent revelations about the history of Jackson Hall and the necessity for police involvement with its residents. There were examples of Jackson Hall residents being unconscious, fighting, committing assault, threatening and/or attempting suicide, committing illegal activity and even one allegation of a hostage situation at Jackson Hall (although the residents claimed that the accuser hallucinated the entire ordeal). Ms. Voss ended here statements by asking, "Who will protect me?" Special thanks to all the citizens that helped to make this rally a success.
The rally was covered by the Daily Herald and News Channel 4 from Nashville.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
COMMUNITY RALLY! Thursday, June 12, 2008, 6:00 P.M.
As part of our effort to educate the community regarding Centerstone's Jackson Hall and its impact to Rolling Fields, YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! On Thursday, June 12, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the front yard of Marie Voss, 1002 Rolling Fields Circle, we will be holding an informational rally for the community. All Rolling Fields residents are strongly encouraged to attend. The purpose of the rally is both distribute information about the problem and to present a unified front to Centerstone and the area.
It is our hope that the event will be attended by local and/or regional media outlets, as well as local leaders. Your presence will help send a message that the neighbors of Rolling Fields are active in this effort.
It is our hope that the event will be attended by local and/or regional media outlets, as well as local leaders. Your presence will help send a message that the neighbors of Rolling Fields are active in this effort.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
About this Blogspot...
This blog serves as an information hub for the residents of Rolling Fields, a subdivision of Columbia, Tennessee and their effort to protect their community from commercial encroachment. This subdivision, developed in the late 1950s, is one of Columbia's most established and convenient. However, its convenience has also appealed to a number of commercial interests in the last several years, the latest being an attempt by Centerstone Community Mental Health to convert one of Rolling Field's premier homes (1000 Rolling Fields Circle) into a group treatment facility for persons with certain serious mental health problems. Centerstone is one of the largest providers of mental health services in the United States.
Centerstone’s purpose is to use the facility as a replacement for its existing “Jackson Hall,” a facility designed for the continued treatment and temporary housing of persons suffering from a mental illness or illnesses (e.g. paranoid schizophrenia), often transitioning such persons from local jails, psychiatric hospitals or homeless shelters to more stable, permanent housing. The proposal calls for up to eight (8) so-called “residents” and up to three (3) Centerstone staff members. It is very important to understand that this is not a facility for the treatment or housing of mentally retarded or autistic individuals, but rather by persons with some other diagnosed psychiatric illness(es).
A few months ago, Marie Voss, a resident of 1002 Rolling Fields Circle, filed suit to stop Centerstone’s intended use of the property. In her complaint, Ms. Voss presents several arguments, including that the property is not zoned for such use. That lawsuit is still pending and is many months from being finished. Ms. Voss’ attorney, Jason Whatley, is very confident that the lawsuit will ultimately stop Centerstone from using the house as planned. However, Mr. Whatley also cautions that Centerstone will likely occupy the facility while the lawsuit is pending and before any final decision of the courts on the issues.
There are many different reasons why our residents may be opposed to having this facility in Rolling Fields. However, one common objection is that the use of this residence as part of Centerstone’s continuum of treatment introduces a major commercial use into the heart of our residential community. Many of our neighbors believe that it is critical that the continued pressure to commercialize homes in Rolling Fields, especially those close to Trotwood Avenue, must be stopped in order to insure the survival of one of Columbia’s most special neighborhoods.
It is for this and other reasons that our community is in the process or organizing a very reasonable, but forceful campaign to stop Centerstone, utilizing the legal process, the media and other political/governmental assistance. It is the belief of many that each of these areas must be utilized to convince Centerstone that 1000 Rolling Fields Circle is a bad choice for a mental health treatment facility.
Centerstone’s purpose is to use the facility as a replacement for its existing “Jackson Hall,” a facility designed for the continued treatment and temporary housing of persons suffering from a mental illness or illnesses (e.g. paranoid schizophrenia), often transitioning such persons from local jails, psychiatric hospitals or homeless shelters to more stable, permanent housing. The proposal calls for up to eight (8) so-called “residents” and up to three (3) Centerstone staff members. It is very important to understand that this is not a facility for the treatment or housing of mentally retarded or autistic individuals, but rather by persons with some other diagnosed psychiatric illness(es).
A few months ago, Marie Voss, a resident of 1002 Rolling Fields Circle, filed suit to stop Centerstone’s intended use of the property. In her complaint, Ms. Voss presents several arguments, including that the property is not zoned for such use. That lawsuit is still pending and is many months from being finished. Ms. Voss’ attorney, Jason Whatley, is very confident that the lawsuit will ultimately stop Centerstone from using the house as planned. However, Mr. Whatley also cautions that Centerstone will likely occupy the facility while the lawsuit is pending and before any final decision of the courts on the issues.
There are many different reasons why our residents may be opposed to having this facility in Rolling Fields. However, one common objection is that the use of this residence as part of Centerstone’s continuum of treatment introduces a major commercial use into the heart of our residential community. Many of our neighbors believe that it is critical that the continued pressure to commercialize homes in Rolling Fields, especially those close to Trotwood Avenue, must be stopped in order to insure the survival of one of Columbia’s most special neighborhoods.
It is for this and other reasons that our community is in the process or organizing a very reasonable, but forceful campaign to stop Centerstone, utilizing the legal process, the media and other political/governmental assistance. It is the belief of many that each of these areas must be utilized to convince Centerstone that 1000 Rolling Fields Circle is a bad choice for a mental health treatment facility.
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