Following Monday's angry community meeting over a proposed clinic for sex offenders near Duboce Park, the clinic's owners have announced that they won't be opening in the area, after all.
At this point, you know the deal: The long-vacant Out of the Closet space at Church and Duboce Streets had been leased to private-sector sexual offender service provider Sharper Future, but after area residents got wind of the deal (through reports in the media, not outreach from the clinic, they note) district Supervisor Scott Wiener stepped in to pause the opening, set for February 1. At a meeting of the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association Monday, things hit a boiling point, with attendees shouting down Sharper Future co-founder Mary-Perry Miller as she attempted to salvage the deal.
And Wednesday night, it was clear that those residents' voices were heard, as Sharper Future announced that they wouldn't be opening at 100 Church Street after all.
In a statement sent at around 8 last night, Miller said:
“Sharper Future has decided to immediately halt efforts to move into 100 Church Street. After Monday evening’s meeting, it is clear that our presence would be divisive for everyone concerned. Out of respect for the community and the very critical work that we do, we’ve elected to seek an alternative location.”
As of publication time, the clinic has not responded to SFist's requests for further comment.
It's unclear where the clinic will open instead, as they've said in media reports that they've outgrown their current space at 540 Market Street. According to an interview Hoodline did with Miller last month, "We have to provide continuous services. We would be out of compliance with our contracts, and we have to be in operation."
"I have been working really hard to delay our move, which is an enormous thing to do," Miller said. "All my staff are in boxes, and we're seeing clients with boxes everywhere."
Previously: Sex Offender Outpatient Clinic To Open In Duboce 'Out Of The Closet' Space
Supervisor Wiener Asks For Hold On Duboce Sex Offender Clinic
Scott Wiener Halts Angry Meeting About Sex Offender Clinic Over Incivility