Waterford Residents Opposed to Zoning Change for Substance Abuse Facility

Rob Taylor December 29, 2012 at 07:23 pm

This area is far to residential for an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Stonington Institute is well known for treating people recovering from alcohol addition, but they treat just as many people for narcotic addiction and methadone, psychiatric disorders, and PTSD. As a healthcare professional I disagree completely with the town authorizing a zoning varience for this type of a treatment center. Once you open that door- it can never be closed. With a heavily residential area surrounding it, a boyscout lodge, and nearby school this is not the place for this type of a treatment facility.

David Peabody December 29, 2012 at 07:40 pm

Thanks for the comment Rob. To get a healthcare professional's opinion on this is appreciated. I hope you'll attend the Thursday meeting and share your perspective.

Harrison December 30, 2012 at 01:52 pm

Not in my backyard! The sense of entitlement in waterford is disgusting. I'm so glad you and your families are so perfect you don't need to be treated for substance abuse... Keep those facilities in the poor broke cities.. Right?

Local Mom December 30, 2012 at 04:39 pm

Has anyone considered the proximity of the proposed treatment facility to our schools? The Dual Arts & Language Academy ( located in the former Southwest School) is less han a mile away. Waterford High School is less than 1.5 miles away. With recent events in Connecticut, has anyone considered the risks and implications of locating a treatment facility for 144 adults with psychological and behavior issues within walking distance of our schools.

Tony Dasta December 31, 2012 at 01:16 am

Is this the same meeting?
http://www.theday.com/article/20121229/NWS01/312299973/0/ It shows a different day and place

Paul Petrone (Editor) December 31, 2012 at 01:52 am

No. This is a meeting for concerned citizens to get ready for that meeting, which is Thursday in Town Hall at 6:30.

Rob Taylor December 31, 2012 at 03:54 pm

@ Harrison, as I appreciate your reference to the "not in my backyard" tag line and your attempt to make this an example of class-warfare, but your comments are not based upon factual data and appear to be hateful.
The hearing is for an application to obtain a variance; meaning that the facility is not currrently zoned or approved for an alcohol or drug treatment facility. It is zoned for use as a nursing home. You are free to attend the public hearing and voice your opinion, but I advise you to first look at the other treatment facilities that Stonington Institute currently operate- not a single one is in a residential area; nor have they had to apply for any type of a variance to open such a facility.

Daniella Ruiz January 1, 2013 at 08:11 pm

this is another 'for profit' facility that will make money for the town, (business tax, property tax, water usage, sewer assessment, inventory tax, etc etc) , it will also be an additional response location for police, fire, etc (especially EMT teams, think extra sirens and noise).
does anyone have any first hand gossip from other sites like this, specifically the one in Stonington? any tales of recidivism, escapes, walk aways (they are not locked in as in prison), confrontations etc etc? know a neighbor who works at any of these that can provide unabashed truths? sadly, it looks like waterford people will throw money at a new doggie hotel, before they accept any sort of human care facility.

Daniella Ruiz January 1, 2013 at 08:18 pm

but wtfd will have a first class doggie hotel soon!