Residents in Allerton are calling on elected officials to intervene over the
creation of a drug clinic across from a middle school.
Concerned citizens are calling for a bill in
Albany to prohibit drug facilities near schools like PS MS 89.
The space for the proposed drug rehab center was sold by Exit Reality Group to
a private individual who then sold it to Carnegie Hill Institute. The sale does not require government
involvement.
Following the sale, concerned family members
marched on the streets to voice their frustrations. They are calling on their
councilmembers to intervene.
Residents tell News 12 that they have seen work
happening inside the building, but the windows are boarded up.
Saturday’s rally was cut short after the 80th District Leader Irene Estrade came to rally
alongside residents.
The organizer of the rally says Estrada was not
invited and they didn’t want her using it as a political event.
The Bendetto’s Bill, written by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto,
would ban the approval of substance abuse treatment centers if they are
located within 500 feet of a school, public park or place of worship.
The bill has not been voted on yet.
The Office of Addiction Services and Supports tells News 12 in a statement that: "We have not received an application to open a facility at this address."