This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Serious Issues

How many citizens of Guilford are aware that a methadone clinic is scheduled to be built at 439 Post Road in Guilford, within close proximity to hundreds of homes and businesses? Two adjacent properties were purchased in June and July by the APT Foundation, a non-profit that has a habit of building methadone clinics in residential neighborhoods without community approval or even notification. APT Foundation estimates that its facility will service 400 or more patients monthly, from New Haven to New London. Yet, how will this facility impact property values, public safety, commercial businesses, traffic, or the environment?

According to documents obtained from the Office of the First Selectman, Matt Hoey began discussions with the APT Foundation CEO, Lynn Madden, in March 2023 and, by all accounts, greenlighted the project every step of the way, all without conducting impact studies, or informing the public. Yet, common sense should dictate that when a project of this magnitude is being contemplated, public hearings should be held to weigh the sentiments of those impacted.

The APT Foundation is not new to controversy. Their attempt to build a facility in the Newhallville neighborhood of New Haven, which is already struggling with issues of poverty and violence, has aroused heated opposition.

There is a place for methadone clinics, but not in residential neighborhoods. Industrial parks or other locations isolated from residential communities offer a far better solution. In fact, the best option may be to follow current federal guidelines and allow patients to self-administer with a 30-day prescription. Why was this not considered?

The Greater Education Council of Connecticut has scheduled a public meeting in the Guilford Room of the Guilford Community Center, 32 Church Street, for Friday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. to address these serious issues.

Kendall Svengalis

Guilford