GRIFFITH |The Town Council on Tuesday introduced an ordinance to relinquish an unused utility easement to Southlake Center for Mental Health and Tri City Mental Health Center.

Regional Mental Health Center, the parent organization of Southlake and Tri City, is constructing a 20-unit building on the west end of 38th Place near Arbogast Avenue. It received site plan approval from the Plan Commission a couple months ago and already was zoned for apartments.

During a public hearing, about 16 local residents spoke against the plan, although the council reminded them that the matter was already settled at the Plan Commission level. The easement issue is just a formality and has no effect on the project, board members said.

In August, Executive Director Robert Krumwied said the apartments would be for those who are recovered enough to take care of themselves.

On Tuesday, one resident said he fears for the safety of the neighborhood if people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia move nearby. But another resident told him that she is bipolar and is no danger to anyone.

Resident Michael Ball favored the project and said Southlake is not making people leave Griffith.

Town Council President Rick Ryfa noted the easement ordinance will be voted on at the next meeting.

Bob Krumwied, president of Regional Mental Health Center, said the facility wants to give more information to the residents about the building.

"We'll have a community meeting in January," he said.

In other business, the council will offer free graffiti cleanup to all residents and businesses in town.

There is no major graffiti problem, but the town still wants to remove it as quickly as possible whenever it happens, Ryfa said.

"We requested federal funding in early 2008 for the equipment and recently received the funds," Ryfa noted.

The cash will be used to purchase a power washer for $8,480.

Councilman George Jerome, R-2, noted that anyone caught doing graffiti will be prosecuted and, if possible, be required to pay for the cleanup.