A zoning ordinance modification under summer consideration would enable MGH-Chelsea and the Methadone Clinic on Crescent Avenue to open substance abuse counseling facilities adjacent to their existing operations, provided no medications are dispensed at these new locations.
Recent public attention has focused intensely on the Methadone Clinic on Crescent Avenue. During a heavily attended meeting last month convened by Councillors Luis Tejada, Roy Avellaneda and Leo Robinson, numerous residents demanded that the clinic’s owner consider relocation. The contentious discussion extended beyond an hour as residents voiced their opposition to the clinic’s current placement.
The clinic has emerged as a significant public concern in recent weeks.
City Manager Tom Ambrosino is now requesting that the Council modify zoning ordinances to permit the clinic to extend counseling operations into an adjacent office building on Crescent Avenue. This same zoning modification would authorize MGH-Chelsea to establish a counseling center near its Everett Avenue facilities.
The proposed zoning amendment defines counseling centers with explicit restrictions: medication dispensing is strictly prohibited. Additionally, it would facilitate the establishment of such centers in specific municipal zoning districts, particularly the Light Industrial and Highway Business Districts.
Ambrosino explained: “fblikebutton_button”There’s been no indication the Methadone Clinic is moving,”fblikebutton_button” “fblikebutton_button”The discussions we’ve had is the would like to have more counseling at a location next door. They have said they want to do more counseling to accompany the medication. MGH supports this idea too…There is a need for more counseling and we don’t have a zoning ordinance that allows it. We’re proposing to add it by special permit in these few districts away from residential areas.”fblikebutton_button”
A comprehensive zoning package submitted by Ambrosino to the Council before summer recess contains this change among many others. Fall’s initial Council meeting is anticipated to bring a vote on the multiple modifications under summer review.
The Planning Board convened last week to hear testimony regarding the counseling center ordinance, which remains under advisement.
Ambrosino acknowledged the clinic’s contentious history, including the unpopular court mandate that placed it on Crescent Avenue, but emphasized that the proposed counseling centers would not distribute medication. He noted that the Methadone Clinic has demonstrated greater responsiveness in recent years compared to earlier periods. In my tenure here, the Clinic has been pretty good to work to address problems when we’ve asked them to do so, he stated.