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New Castle clinic meets zoning requirements
The facility will have its own security personnel.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Union Township Supervisors said Thursday that a methadone clinic has met zoning requirements and will locate in the former J.D. Byrider building on West Washington Street (U.S. Route 224).
Methadone is used to help addicts withdraw from heroin.
No opening date for the facility was available.
Supervisor Chairman Pat Angiolelli said the facility, which he said is called “Discovery House,” met the zoning classification for medical offices and did not need the approval of supervisors to locate there.
“Obviously no one wants it. Let’s be honest,” Angiolelli said.
But Supervisor Robert Eckert said if the township had tried to refuse permission, the clinic could have involved the township in a costly legal battle.
Supervisors pointed out there are many restrictions on such a facility. Supervisor Clair Damon said that it will only be open from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and that loitering will not be tolerated.
Angiolelli said the owners have also agreed to the township’s request that cameras be placed outside and that the property be fenced. He added that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the local health department oversee such facilities and pay surprise visits. In addition, the facility will have its own security personnel.
He said that the Union Area School District and the Butler County Community College branch, which is being built near the facility, have both been notified.
Township supervisors said they are in the process of overhauling the township zoning ordinance to tighten it and change some currently permitted uses to conditional uses which would require a hearing.
At the supervisors’ February meeting, several residents had expressed concerns about word that the clinic would locate there. They complained that only Route 224 and commercial frontage on the south side of the road would buffer the clinic from a development of about 75 homes.
Also Thursday, supervisors agreed to borrow up to $35,000 toward an International five-ton dump truck they are purchasing through the state program. It will replace a 1991 model that needs extensive repairs. The vehicle will cost up to $113,000.
They announced that the 2008 spring cleanup is June 28 and that residents should have items for pick-up out on the curb by midnight June 27.
Supervisors also announced they have hired James Laurenza, a township resident, as a full-time police officer, which brings the force to three full and three part-timers. Laurenza’s hiring will mean regular coverage of the midnight shift. An additional part-timer will also be hired.
They changed the July 17 meeting to July 10, and the Sept. 18 meeting to Sept. 11 because of time conflicts. Both meetings will be at 6 p.m.
They announced that Covert’s Crossing will close June 27 and re-open July 1 for construction work.