VISTA, Calif. — Some residents voicing opposition on a San Diego County plan to buy land in Vista to build a mental health and rehabilitation facility at Green Oak Ranch.
Green Oak Ranch stretches 138 acres in south Vista. The county is looking to buy 110 acres for a large mental health facility. It would provide sober housing and psychiatric treatment.
“A massive mental health behavioral health facility in the middle of a residential area even if it’s not in your district it will impact the entire city," said Vanessa, a Vista resident.
The property hosts Little League sports and a low-income RV park.
"I live on Green Oak Ranch with my husband and three children. We were homeless eight years ago staying at Operation Hope," said Karen who lives at the RV park.
She fears where they will live if the county buys the land.
“We find it unthinkable and unacceptable that we all would stand to be made practically homeless, in my family’s case again, to make homes for other homeless people.”
One Vista firefighter encourages the city of Vista to buy the property
“The Vista Fire Department is in desperate need of a training facility. This land is the perfect location for that. Call volume is up all over the city and our resources are already sourced thin," said Tim Troncone, a firefighter in Vista.
On Tuesday the Vista City Council said it would get the property appraised but didn't take any further action.
“I ask the Vista City Council to listen to your constituents. Hear what we are begging for you to do, buy the property for the city of Vista to manage and not allow the county to take over your backyard," Vanessa said.
WATCH RELATED: County looks to buy Vista's Green Oak Ranch for future mental health hub, residents push back