News

March 20, 2008

Residents resist methadone clinic plan

Pittsburgh agency plans to offer treatment program in building on Route 940.

By Sheena Delazio sdelazio@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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KIDDER TWP. – Some residents who live near the site of a proposed methadone clinic have expressed concerns to township manager John Finnerty.

“A lot of people have been attending township meetings,” Finnerty said. “There’s a lot of rumors circulating, so we want to clear the air.”

Pittsburgh-based Pinnacle Treatment Centers plans to establish a treatment center in an existing building across from the WaWa store on Route 940 near the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension.

The clinic would assist heroin and other opiate drug users in recovery and rehabilitation through the use of methadone.

A special meeting will be held March 27 to allow residents to speak with township officials and representatives of the treatment center.

“Residents don’t want it, even if it’s in a remote location,” Finnerty said.

Rebecca Parker, who lives about a mile from the site, has her qualms.

“I’m worried about the element it’s going to bring here, like drug users,” Parker said. “They are coming here to get their fix so they don’t use heroin. I agree they should have help, but not this close.”

Parker said she would have no problem with the clinic being farther away in a secluded place, but is opposed to having it situated in the open, near fast-food restaurants and businesses.

“A lot of kids work (at the fast food restaurants). And within the two-mile radius, there are five school bus stops. It’s not something we feel we need in this area.”

A group from the Golden Oaks Village retirement community formed Seniors for Truth in opposition to the clinic, Parker said.

“It’s going to raise crime rates. Why couldn’t they find something more secluded?” Parker said.”

“Residents think it’ll attract crime and more people with drug habits,” Finnerty said. “People just don’t take a liking to places like this.”

Steve Shaner, director of programs for Pinnacle, will speak at the March 27 meeting. He said these types of clinics are the one thing people just don’t understand.

“We’ve had remarkable success in eliminating users,” Shaner said. “We’re in the community reducing property crime, HIV, hepatitis. People say we’re going to be bringing addicts to the area; but, if they weren’t already there, we wouldn’t be able to have a business.”

Shaner said the Pinnacle Treatment Center, which runs four clinics throughout Pennsylvania, does not have patients that are being treated because of a court order, but because they want to walk away from addiction and have a better life.

“There are folks that are concerned, but there’s no reason for them to be concerned,” Shaner said. “People want to know if there’s an impact on them – and that’s basically none.”

What’s next?

The Kidder Township Board of Supervisors will meet at 7 this evening. Residents can voice concerns and pose questions to township officials and representatives of Pinnacle Treatment Centers at 7 p.m. March 27.

Comments can be e-mailed to the township at www.kiddertownship.com.

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