Drug Rehab Application Denied

STAMFORD  – Members of the Stamford Village Planning Board voted at a brief June 15 meeting to deny an application for a special use permit to locate a residential healthy living facility for adults with substance abuse at 56 Main St. in the village of Stamford.

Members of the planning board held a public hearing on March 11, which received a standing room only crowd,  and continued the hearing until their April meeting for possible additional comments. Once the hearing was closed, Bill Lander, planning board chairman, said they had 60 days to make their decision. They postponed the decision to obtain additional information from the applicant regarding the public's concerns raised during the public hearing.

Several people at the hearing said they supported help for those with addiction. However, they had concerns about the location and questioned if they could find the clinical staffing needed, which is difficult in the region. They were also concerned about putting stress on existing emergency services. The public was also concerned about the facility being located right next to homes and questioned security measures at the facility along with what happens to those who may be discontinued from the program.

At the April 8 meeting, planning board members approved a motion to ask the applicant provide information regarding the impact on emergency services in  areas with Office of Addition Services and Support (OASAS) facilities are located, the impact on crime where there are OASAS facilities, security and medical staffing and how they would address medical emergencies.

The planning board had 60 days from the close of the hearing in April to make its decision on the special use permit for 56 Main Street, which is also referred to as the former Delaware Inn.

The permit was denied based on standards for a special use permit under Section A, according to the minutes, which question if: "The proposed development is compatible with nearby properties and will not discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent properties or substantially impair their values; Section E: "Proposed development will not adversely affect community appearances, historic character, or safety and enjoyment of the area by adjoining residents. Residents may have concerns for their safety and the enjoyment of the village."

Additionally, planning board members stated the applicant has not demonstrated an understanding of the reality of  available local emergency services. The only local ambulance services are for-profit ambulance services and they are already stretched thin. The applicant was not able to provide a study on the impact on emergency services. and they have not proven that emergency services would not be impacted by the proposed use. 

It was also determined the proposed use is not in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance and the Stamford comprehensive plan, specifically as the comprehensive plan relates to the Stamford Downtown Revitalization Plan to make downtown a destination with retail shops and entertainment venues that attract local residents, regional residents, seasonal homeowners, residents of the New York Metro area, and Catskills tourists. 

The board voted to deny the application for site plan review and for the special use permit.