From The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin (front page):
Vestal residents cite proximity to schools
By Vanessa Ebbeling • vebbeling1@gannett.com • Staff Writer • January 15, 2009
VESTAL - Neighbors of a former church that could become a drug treatment center asked Vestal leaders Wednesday to block the center from moving close to nearby schools.
About three dozen residents packed the town board room to show opposition to the nonprofit's proposal to move into the former St. Andrew's Episcopal Church buildings on Mirador Drive.
A handful of residents and one former volunteer for the nonprofit, Candlehouse, spoke during a public comment period that took up more than half of the 90-minute town board meeting.
Some residents said they've been upset at the way the situation has played out in the media.
"This is not a 'Not-in-my-backyard concern,'" said Eric Kelley, who lives next door to the building Candlehouse plans to use as a dormitory. "This is a concern that this is an organization coming into a school zone."
Candlehouse, which had five residents in December, is now located in Owego. Leaders want to move to acquire more space and expand the program. The town has not received a formal request to rezone the land or grant a use variance, town Supervisor Peter Andreasen said Wednesday.
The Clayton Avenue Elementary School and Vestal High School are within a quarter-mile of the site. High school students park near the facility, while elementary school students who live in the neighborhood walk to school.
"It's an injustice to our children and it puts our children out there," Kelley said. "All it takes is one incident."
Residents worry the treatment facility, which helps women who are battling emotional problems and drug and alcohol addiction, could increase crime and bring drugs into the neighborhood.
A former Candlehouse volunteer, Diane Hunter of Endicott, felt compelled to speak at the meeting after hearing the facility would be so close to schools. Hunter volunteered with Candlehouse in Owego for three days several years ago and said she felt the organization was poorly managed and patients were not well supervised.
"I would not want my kids anywhere near that facility," she said.
After her volunteer experience, she was so concerned about the situation there that she filed a complaint with the state attorney general's office, she said. She recently learned that the complaint was no longer on file at that office, Hunter said.
At a meeting in December, Candlehouse officials told residents that patients are required to surrender their rights and are monitored around the clock. Some clients deemed trustworthy are allowed to take short walks and visit with family off-site.
The meeting grew contentious, with parties on both sides shouting at each other.
Several board members have already expressed opposition to the plan. Board member Patty Fitzgerald lives close to the site and said she would support her neighbors.
Under the proposal, Candlehouse would use the former church building for worship and classrooms. The former community center across the street would be used as living quarters.
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