The Holmesburg Civic Association plans to continue to fight the proposed opening of a methadone clinic at Frankford Avenue and Decatur Street.
Last June, a Common Pleas Court judge sustained an appeal of a Zoning Board of Adjustment decision, allowing the clinic to open.
Opponents are appealing that ruling. The city supports opening the clinic.
“We’re not done fighting yet,” said Rich Frizell, president of the civic association.
Frizell is hoping the state rejects the clinic, forcing The Healing Way to sue.
Lisa Deeley, an aide to City Councilman Bobby Henon, said, “Not this provider, not in this location.”
Mike Tomlinson, a Holmesburg resident and Republican candidate in the 173rd Legislative District, argued that methadone has been proven to be ineffective.
Phil Innamorato, a Torresdale resident and aide to U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, expects the courts to have the final say, though he said the federal Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration might weigh in.
Last August, U.S. Reps. Bob Brady and Allyson Schwartz wrote to that agency, asking that it reject The Healing Way’s application.
“Whatever we’re able to do, we want to explore those possibilities,” Innamorato said.
In other news from the April 10 meeting:
• Frizell is hopeful that a methadone clinic that will be coming to 7520 and 7550 State Road will not cause any problems. The civic association and some State Road businesses entered into an agreement with NorthEast Treatment Centers following a court victory by NET. An advisory committee will address such issues as parking, security, hours of operation, waiting room capacity, hiring and vendor opportunities and cleanliness.
Frizell said NET is a responsible provider and described CEO Regan Kelly as “very open.”
During a recent meeting, Kelly gave her cell phone number to Frizell, St. Hubert High School president Frank Farrell and New Foundations Charter School CEO Paul Stadelberger.
• Lori Spadaro, a field organizer for Nextdoor.com, encouraged residents to sign up for the free site, which began in California and is funded by venture capital firms. The site enables neighbors to learn what’s going on in their community.
For more information or to sign up, go to nextdoor.com
• Members voted 16–2 to not oppose a bid by the owner of a corner property at Cottman Avenue and Walker Street to open a real estate office.
• Holmesburg Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, May, 13, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center, at Rhawn and Ditman streets. Candidates in the May 20 primary election will address the crowd. ••
