Rockford committee rejects needle exchange program in downtown

Rockford officials are poised to deny a special use permit that would allow a needle exchange to operate at a downtown substance abuse resource center.

After months of discussion, a City Council committee on Monday recommended denial of the permit for Live4Lali. The organization founded by the parents of a Buffalo Grove teenager who died of a drug overdose in 2008 operates one of its northern Illinois locations serving eight counties in downtown Rockford at 401 W. State St.

Rockford City Administrator Todd Cagnoni told committee members that the Winnebago County Health Department already operates needle exchange services at three locations in the city. Last year, the Winnebago County program served 365 people.

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Cagnoni also told committee members that city ordinance requires the property owner’s approval for a special use permit application. However, since the initial application in late 2024, the building was sold as part of a Oklahoma City-based Spark Properties’ acquisition of five Rockford properties as part of an $8 million deal.

The new owners have not approved the application, Cagnoni said.

After City Council sent the matter back to committee, the measure now returns to full City Council for a final decision.

Live4Lali provides resources to people suffering from substance abuse disorders. It also provides what they call “safer use supplies” meant to reduce potential harms. That includes the distribution of supplies like drug paraphernalia and condoms meant to stop the spread of disease.

City zoning officials opposed the permit required for a needle exchange to operate. They said that a needle exchange program is incompatible with surrounding uses and the redevelopment of the city center. They also raised concerns that a needle exchange could lead to the littering of used needles and drug paraphernalia.

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at [email protected] and on X @jeffkolkey.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford committee doesn’t want new needle exchange program downtown