I was very distressed to read of the possibility of the APT Foundation opening a walk-in treatment facility on Boston Post Road in Guilford and even more so when I learned they had already purchased the properties they plan to use. APT is not a good community partner.

Let me be very clear - this is not a NIMBY reaction. Treatment of addiction and mental health is extremely important, and treatment within the community is of great benefit to those seeking care, but a walk-in clinic creates unfavorable downstream effects that a residential treatment center would not.

I’m concerned with how the APT Foundation manages, or more accurately, fails to manage its presence in the community. They promised to be good neighbors in New Haven. They have failed to keep that promise. Since opening at 495 Congress Avenue, the surrounding neighborhood has seen a significant increase in both property and violent crime. Discarded needles from active users litter the surrounding properties daily.

APT’s practice of providing high-dose methadone draws clients from out of state, not just the community. The Guilford location is less than one-tenth of a mile from I95 — promoting an environment for crimes of opportunity in an area where car break-ins and porch piracy are already a problem. Who will pay for the added police presence necessary to prevent these issues? Because APT has purchased the properties they plan to use, it will leave little recourse because they will not be responsible for their clients once they leave the premises but are still in town.

Clinics need to consider both the community they serve and the community that hosts them. There are better areas in town with land for sale away from residences, schools, and daycares. This is the wrong location and the wrong organization.

Sue Cascio

Guilford