MENTAL HEALTH: Pittsburg Mulls Location of New Center

     A fight is brewing in Pittsburg over whether to allow a mental health service center to locate in the downtown area. The center, Mental Health Consumer Concerns, "would provide mental health clients with peer counseling, money-management training, housing assistance and socialization." Critics argue the center does not match Pittsburg's long-term downtown revitalization vision, reluctance that advocates denounce as "not-in-my- backyard" thinking. Supporters point to the successful integration of similar mental health centers in downtown Martinez and Concord. Councilwoman Lori Anzini also notes that "other nonprofit agencies in Pittsburg's downtown did not have to jump through the hoops being put up for" the center, and implied that discrimination may be grounds for a lawsuit. The Americans with Disabilities Act may require the city to "provide accommodation s to organizations helping individuals with disabilities find housing." A decision on the proposal is expected from the city council on Monday. If the council rejects the center, its supporters may appeal (Schevitz, San Francisco Chronicle, 4/30).