WS Chronicle

Forsyth County commissioners are moving forward with leasing a former nursing facility to Addiction Recovery Care Association Inc. (ARCA).

Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services recently ended its nominal lease with the county for Springwood Healthcare Center, which was a 200-bed nursing facility on Shattalon Drive, next to Forsyth County Animal Control. ARCA, which is currently located on Union Cross Road, would like to move into the vacant building, where it can expand its addiction recovery services.

The facility is approximately 64,000 square feet and has an onsite commercial laundry and kitchen.

The building is in need of extensive repairs. The proposed 10 year nominal lease would leave ARCA with the responsibility for all facility related expenses.  ARCA is requesting almost $1.2 million from the county to help replace the roof, water heater, HVAC system and lighting. ARCA plans to raise $1.3 million in a capital campaign for landscaping, painting, kitchen equipment, furniture and fixtures.

Staff recommended fulfilling ARCA’s request on the roof, water heater and HVAC system because they’re all beyond their useful life, but letting ARCA pay for the lighting, which involves replacing it with new, energy-saving LED bulbs. Commissioner Don Martin was unsure if the amount ARCA was asking for is fair, but did support the lease.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Martin. “I really think we ought to do it. I just don’t know what’s fair.”

Commissioner Gloria Whisenhunt said she was fine with the county not paying for new lighting, but definitely wanted to move forward with the lease.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the community, especially right now with the opioid problem and everything, and I think it addresses so many problems that we have,” she said.

The county is advertising a 30-day notice before commissioners vote on the lease, and staff will be finalizing an agreement with ARCA on the county’s fiscal support for renovations on the building.