After the APT Foundation purchased a building in New Haven, they collaborated with Mayor Justin Elicker and his staff. There was no engagement with the residents.

Residents coordinated efforts and were able to dialogue with the mayor and his colleagues. The initial response was that it could not be changed. After two years of diligence, the community was able to ensure their rights and the needs of the neighborhood were honored.

APT then had to sell the property and put their methadone clinic on Long Wharf in New Haven.

At a later time, Mayor Elicker said that a methadone clinic does not belong in a neighborhood.

Both Mayor Elicker and First Selectman Michael Freda in North Haven, a town that would only allow an APT clinic in an industrial area, worked with their residents with their welfare in mind as well as that of the methadone clinic.

In Guilford, we are seeking a respectful and open exchange with our Board of Selectmen (BOS) and APT.

In March 2023, APT was invited by our town government to purchase land in Guilford. There was then, and still has been, no discussion with Guilford residents and taxpayers. APT presented its case. We were not allowed to present a challenge what was presented. The impact on our town is a serious consideration. There is a precedent, i.e., a large city and another smaller town recognized the need to place the clinic in an industrial area or a large medical complex with security.

We would not be here if this were done in a timely and transparent way.

Colleen Otis

Guilford