Owens Cross Roads Votes to Shut Down Controversial Mental Health Center

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNewsPolitics

City Council Meeting in Owens Cross Roads

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News Summary

The City of Owens Cross Roads has voted to revoke the business license of Pathway of Madison County, LLC, following significant community concerns and a riot that resulted in police intervention. Residents raised alarms after 27 police calls linked to the facility, prompting city council actions to reconsider the center’s future. A public hearing is set to determine the next steps, as community members seek safety and resolution regarding mental health services in their area.

Owens Cross Roads Takes Bold Step to Shut Down Controversial Mental Health Center

In an impactful move, the City of Owens Cross Roads has voted to take away the business license from the Pathway of Madison County, LLC, following a tumultuous series of events that stirred the community. The decision was made during a city council meeting on March 21, 2025, where it was evident that opinions were overwhelmingly in favor of the non-renewal of the facility’s license.

A Riot That Changed Everything

The troubles began to unfold after a chaotic riot broke out at the center, specifically at their moderate service facility, last September. The riot resulted in the arrest of six minors, all girls, on charges that ranged from inciting a riot to criminal mischief. This incident attracted considerable attention and raised serious concerns among residents who had already been facing a wave of disturbances linked to the facility.

Public Backlash

Since its opening in June 2024, the Pathway facility has seen police intervention a staggering 27 times. The numerous calls for help have highlighted issues like psychiatric disturbances and assaults, painting a picture of a chaotic environment that many locals feel is unfit for their community.

The City Council Steps In

Initially, the council had voted to revoke the facility’s business license back in January 2025, but further deliberation led to a pause in proceedings to gather more information. Residents expressed their mounting frustration about the situation, calling for thorough action as they tried to make sense of the repeated police activity surrounding the center.

At a public hearing earlier in March, discussions revolved around the facility’s future, revealing its complex history with the state. Pathway had contracted with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) to provide important mental health services to children—specifically, two types of care: moderate and intensive services. However, an attorney representing Pathway indicated that they no longer provide intensive care services.

Next Steps and Community Concerns

The council’s recent decision to shut down the Pathway center is not final just yet. A public hearing will soon be held, allowing the facility to present its case and call witnesses to argue for its continued operation. Until that hearing takes place, the facility is still allowed to run its operations.

With residents on the edge of their seats, the anticipation surrounding the public hearing grows. The Police Chief of Owens Cross Roads, Jason Dobbins, has reaffirmed that their commitment to safety means they will not permit similar businesses to operate in the area if they pose risks.

Unclear Future for Current Residents

As for the children currently residing in the facility, uncertainty looms large. As of now, the DHR has not been formally notified of the city’s vote or provided any guidelines about future care for the children in residence. This lack of information has only added to the anxiety among families and community members, who are deeply invested in seeing a resolution to the situation.

Conclusion

As the city of Owens Cross Roads moves forward, residents remain hopeful that this step will lead to a safer environment for everyone in the community. The upcoming public hearing will be crucial, as both the council and the residents eagerly await clarity on the future of mental health services in their town.