Port Jervis methadone clinic discussed

ANYA TIKKA
Posted 1/24/18

PORT JERVIS, NY — Although most residents who express an opinion on social media agree that Port Jervis needs a Methadone/Suboxone treatment center, debate is ongoing about an appropriate …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Port Jervis methadone clinic discussed

Posted

PORT JERVIS, NY — Although most residents who express an opinion on social media agree that Port Jervis needs a Methadone/Suboxone treatment center, debate is ongoing about an appropriate location.

Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker feels that city officials have been misled by Cornerstone Family Medical, which  proposes to open a stand-alone clinic in the middle of the city’s business district, where addicts can walk in to get Methadone or Suboxone.

Currently Cornerstone is trying to set up in the Hunt Building at the bottom of Pike Street, although in previous negotiations with the city they had seemingly agreed it was not an appropriate location, Decker said.

“My concern is they were trying to sneak in without discussing the impact on our businesses and residents,” Decker continued.

Cornerston’s plans also include busing in addicts from the surrounding tri-state area, including Sussex County in New Jersey, and Pike County in Pennsylvania.

Port Jervis is undergoing a renaissance, and the council and many others feel putting the facility there would harm the city’s image.

Some commentators, pointing to the planned clinic as  a money-making operation, say the treatment doesn’t work for addiction, but instead replaces one opiate with another. At Cornerstone’s clinic in Newburgh, Methadone/Suboxone reportedly is traded in the parking lot, according to some comments.

Decker added, “We are even more worried by the volume of numbers they would want to serve if they came here. They currently serve 50 from the 12771 [Port Jervis] zip code [Port Jervis] but feel they would be able to serve 200 to 250 if they opened here.”

Decker posted a full update on what was happening on his official Facebook page, asking for input from residents, after the city found out Cornerstone was trying to open in the Hunt Building. In previous negotiations they had agreed that the Roberta Glinton Medical Arts Building, across the street from Bon Secours, or another location would be more appropriate.

In his Facebook posting, Decker wrote, “On Thursday, August 17, 2017, I was asked to meet with our county legislator, Tom Faggione; and our district attorney, Dave Hoovler. Mr. Foster, first ward councilman and police commissioner, sat in on the meeting. In our discussion, I was advised to ‘find a place in the city for a clinic,’ as I was told that there is an epidemic here, and it needs to be addressed.”

On January 9, the city’s building official, Dave Rivera, informed the council Binghamton architect Corey Layton advised him he was “hired by Cornerstone Medical Health to design a Methadone/Suboxone outpatient clinic at that location [Hunt Building].”

According to Decker, county legislator Tom Faggione now also agrees the clinic should not be put in the Hunt Building.

Decker asked for residents to sign a petition and to attend both zoning and council meetings to express their opinions.

He emailed Cornerstone’s Dr. Dave Jolly, who responded in an email that no firm plans were in place, but that the company had “discussed the location at the hospital with Westchester and Bon Secours but were told that every bit of square footage was going to be utilized by the Medical Village.”

A message sent to Dr. Jolly had received no response as of press time.

Decker says he contacted the owner of the Roberta Glinton building, who said no one had contacted him regarding leasing of space at that building. Over 7,000 square feet are available.

Decker continued, “Our corporation council William Bavoso has said Mr. Rivera will do a complete review of the proposal, if it is received, as there is control in zoning and planning.”

Comments on Facebook range from that by Cooper Boone, who wrote, “I worked 5 years in a Methadone Clinic in the Bronx. All of our concerns are valid,” to others who expressed concern for the addicts and their families.

Denise Conklin Billman wrote, “I for one also know what it’s like to have a loved one, or myself, go to one of these clinics, and I do believe one should be in Port. I also believe that a proper setting would be the Glinton building. If this clinic is run properly it will help the community and the drug problem within the city.”

Amanda Parish wrote, “I would rather see these HUMAN BEINGS be able to seek treatment and have that option, rather than hear about more heroin overdose deaths in our community.”

port jervis, opioids

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here