A controversial new zoning law that would make it harder for needle exchange programs to operate in Oakland, Calif., and that also targets drug treatment programs serving intravenous drug users is on fast-track for approval before the City Council Tuesday night. If passed, many of the city's drug treatment programs will have to apply and pay for a new special use permit even if they do not offer needle exchange programs. The law would prevent drug treatment programs from operating within a certain distance from each other and from schools and churches. The issue came before the council last year once neighbors learned the Casa Segura drug treatment center, which offers a needle exchange program and other services, was moving to Foothill Boulevard. Residents said their Eastmont neighborhood was overloaded with treatment programs, and many believed the programs brought in a bad element.

Supporters said the law would prevent treatment and needle exchange programs from overpopulating certain neighborhoods. Opponents of the law -- who were once vigorously active at city meetings but absent at last Tuesday's Community and Economic Development Committee meeting -- say it will be harder for drug treatment programs to serve clients and pass out needles to slow the spread of HIV and hepatitis. Councilmember Nancy Nadel was the only person present to oppose the new law, calling it a "back door Band-Aid approach" to addressing serious drug abuse issues and programs that serve addicts in Oakland. Arnold Perkins, director of the Alemeda County Public Health Department, agreed. "I think it is bad public policy ... because these people are not being imported from Stockton or Los Angeles," he said. "These are people who live in the community." If services such as Casa Segura are discouraged from treating drug addicts, then the already overloaded county health department and city would be forced to do the work, Perkins said.

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