Councilman David Franczyk has introduced a resolution opposing a methadone clinic planned by Hispanics United of Buffalo at 254 Virginia Street. The resolution has been referred to the Community Development committee which meets next week. The clinic is also scheduled to open as soon as next week. Neighborhood block club VETTE (Virginia, Edward, Trinity, Tupper, Elmwood) has issued the following statement:
As a group majority, the VETTE Block Club stands in opposition to the opening of a methadone clinic at 254 Virginia Street by the Hispanics United of Buffalo organization. The VETTE Block Club is sympathetic to those with substance abuse disorders and recognizes that heroin and opioid addiction is a particularly difficult and complex disease to overcome.
We fully support the treatment of this disease. However, in full recognition of the various needs of the members of this community, we do not feel that it is suitable for this type of drug treatment facility to be placed in a residential area. We strongly feel this clinic is better suited to be located in a commercial zone and/or established medical facility for the safety of all involved.
Furthermore, the manner in which Hispanics United of Buffalo has gone about implementing their plans for this clinic in our shared district, without educating this community or soliciting its input, has concerned us as a group. We are taking action to discuss and identify what is in the best interest of the community, including those afflicted by opioid addiction.
The VETTE Block Club supports the proposed resolution titled “PREVENT HUB METHADONE CLINIC ON VIRGINIA STREET”, in all its parts, brought before the Buffalo Common Council by Councilmember Franczyk (below).
BUFFALO COMMON COUNCIL – PROPOSED RESOLUTION
BY: MR. FRANCZYK
RE: PREVENT HUB METHADONE CLINIC ON VIRGINIA STREET
WHEREAS: Hispanics United of Buffalo (HUB) has recently proposed the location of a Methadone Clinic adjacent to its property at 254 Virginia Street; and,
WHEREAS: This information has caused great consternation in the residential communities located next or near the announced HUB methadone clinic; and,
WHEREAS: At a community meeting held at HUB on June 18, 2014, including representatives of the VETTE Block club (which called for the meeting), Allentown Association, West Village Association and other block clubs, community residents and business people, it became clear that the methadone clinic was presented as a “fait accompli,” and that the community was never notified about the proposed methadone clinic, which may be in violation of federal and state statutes regarding community engagement requirements concerning the placement of methadone clinics in communities, as well as other possible violations; and,
WHEREAS: Community residents stated they were not generally opposed to programs helping people free themselves of their drug addictions, but do not believe such facilities should be located in residential neighborhoods, but rather in clinical/hospital settings better suited for those purposes; and,
WHEREAS: The communities next to and adjacent to HUB have effectively “turned their neighborhoods around” by fighting drug dealers, slumlords and criminals (such as the 10th Street gang and others) and have greatly strengthened the City of Buffalo and are rightly concerned about what impact the methadone clinic would have on their quality of life, safety and property values, which have been increasing thanks to their efforts; and,
WHEREAS: The Common Council applauds the good work of Hispanics United of Buffalo, including its work with seniors, youth and its advocacy, however HUB should heed the community’s concern about the location of a methadone clinic at its headquarters on Virginia Street;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Common Council is not in support of the location of a HUB methadone clinic on Virginia Street;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Common Council requests that HUB put a moratorium on the plan for a methadone clinic on Virginia Street, and that HUB fully communicate with the City of Buffalo, Common Council, and the above mentioned block clubs, community associations and concerned citizens should they propose to move the methadone clinic to a more appropriate hospital/clinical setting or area outside of the residential neighborhood;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Buffalo Police Department opine on how they believe the location of a methadone clinic on Virginia Street will impact on their ability to keep the neighborhood safe from crime;
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED;
That the City Law Department advise the Common Council on any applicable city, state or federal laws, regulations or statutes which govern the placement of methadone clinics in Buffalo.
DAVID A. FRANCZYK