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By MICHAEL McNARNEY mmcnarney@leader.net
Saturday, March 08, 2003 Page: 3A
WILKES-BARRE – Mayor Tom McGroarty has aligned himself with any opponents
of a proposed methadone clinic in Plains Township, and is willing to sue the
Plains Township Zoning Board – or anyone else to stop the clinic.
The clinic would be housed in a building on Laird Street in Plains
Township, adjacent to the city-owned Eddie White soccer field and near homes
in the Parsons Manor neighborhood.
McGroarty said he didn’t think it was appropriate for a methadone clinic to
be near a kids’ soccer field.
The mayor met Wednesday with Assistant Wilkes-Barre City Attorney William
Vinsko Jr., who has been ordered to have the city join any lawsuit filed by
anyone to stop the clinic.
The clinic has been proposed by Choices, a drug and alcohol treatment
provider owned by Wyoming Valley Health Care System.
“As the adjoining property owners, we are very dismayed that the City was
not notified,” McGroarty wrote in a letter to system chairman Charles
Parente. “We have strong objections to the establishment of this clinic so
close (to) a place where children play.”
McGroarty said he is sure it was “just an oversight” that the city was
not notified.
“Now that you are aware how a methadone clinic at the Laird Street
location will impact the citizens of Wilkes-Barre, I am sure you will withdraw
these plans and direct the staff to look for a more appropriate site,” the
mayor concludes.
He did not suggest an alternate site.
Michael McNarney, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7305.