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Needed Better Answers

Applause to Kevin Clark, the only commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Committee, to vote “no” to the approval of the APT Foundation site plan for a methadone clinic on Boston Post Road. There were so many half-answered and unasked questions that I believe approval was premature.

APT Foundation’s application was classified as a permitted use under PRB-3, which allows for medical/dental clinics and urgent medical clinics. The code makes a distinction between these two medical uses. It does not define an addiction treatment center at all. To equate a doctor/dentist’s office to a substance abuse treatment center seems incorrect. I would have raised this, but there was no public comment in this forum, and the Board of Selectmen has refused to hold a public hearing.

Questions asked by the commissioners got half-answers.

When commissioners asked, “Why Guilford?” the applicant cited a zip code list showing a need on the shoreline. The list was not provided.

Asked if clients would be lingering after appointments, the answer was lingering on the premises was not permitted. What about across the street?

Asked if there were any serious incidents at other sites, the applicant said, “In 52 years, serious incidents could be counted on one hand”. I suppose that depends on how you define “serious.”

Asked if public hearings were held for other sites, the answer for North Haven was no. That site is in an industrial area. No mention of New Haven, where, in Newhallville, the project was shut down due to public opposition. And no chance to ask why APT Foundation is now leaving Congress Avenue to move to Long Wharf, another industrial area.

The applicant’s lack of transparency is deeply concerning. These questions needed better answers. The people of Guilford were denied the opportunity to even ask.

Susan Cascio

Guilford