The process has been rather tedious, with over 45 sites in consideration at one point, and weeks of deliberation. However, the hunt continues after the previous Eastdale location is no longer up for debate due to concerns about overpopulation, traffic build-up, and quality of life for residents.

"T o me, it was not a natural fit to have a mental health [facility]--any type of hospital–in that community, ” says Yusef Hakeem, State Representative of District 28.

State representatives, including Hakeem, have been juggling options, but the list is finally narrowing down.

"W hat we have now is an opportunity to come up with a location, and I think we have some that are viable, ” Hakeem says.

One location is a 96-acre plot of land near Chatt State on Amnicola Highway.

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