Woodlake Residents Didn't Know About Psychiatric Hospital Proposed In Their Backyard

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A potential hiccup in plans to build a psychiatric hospital comes as neighbors say they were left out of the loop, knowing nothing of the planning process.

The proposed psychiatric hospital would be built in the Woodlake area of Sacramento.

People who live there call the area a quiet, hidden gem.

"I love where it is, the proximity to everything is close."

But homeowner Jane Macauley doesn't know like how close her home is to a proposed mental hospital.

"I worry about the people that are going to be there, absolutely."

Signature Healthcare Services wants to build a high-end private mental-health facility with 120 beds on a lot just south of Highway 160.

"It's right across from a residential area. You wouldn't be putting this in Curtis Park or Land Park or anywhere else."

People like Michelle Hewus say they had no idea the city planning commission already approved the mental hospital.

"Some neighbors don't like the idea of a mental hospital here, but what also bothers them is how they found out about the plans. They don't think there's been enough discussion."

We found out that the city doesn't need to notify neighbors, just post signs near the vacant lot and on the city website.

Richard Bigelow says he heard about the plans through the grapevine, and isn't too bothered by them.

"I don't see any problem with it at all since it is a locked-down facility, and I've seen the other facility and know it is good and secure."

Jane says the neighborhood association did a poor job of getting the word out about the plans, and is now trying to get the neighborhood's attention so they know what could be coming.

"I wish that we could attract a better business at this point for this neighborhood."

The mental hospital still needs the green light from the city council. The meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10.