Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jun 2002 Source: Boston Globe (MA) Page: B2 Copyright: 2002 Globe Newspaper Company Contact: http://www.boston.com/globe/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52 Author: Jenn Abelson METHADONE CLINIC GRANTED LICENSE It's the first time public opposition hasn't prevailed Spectrum Health Systems has made history in its six-year struggle to open a downtown methadone clinic, becoming the first company in Massachusetts to secure a license despite community opposition. The state Department of Public Health issued Spectrum a license Monday to dispense methadone, and the facility could begin treating recovering heroin addicts at the beginning of next week. The Worcester-based company is already allowed to provide counseling and other services at the 214 Howard St. site. The Board of Selectmen's decision to withdraw its opposition to the proposed clinic was the final step to complete the community siting process, said Roseanne Pawelec, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration also completed their inspections of the site. "Everything was in order according to the regulations, so the license was issued," Pawelec said. "It is of note that Spectrum is the first applicant that proceeded with its licensure process despite some community opposition." Other companies that have encountered resistance have withdrawn their clinic applications. "We're really looking forward to getting started shortly," said Dan Quinn, chief operating officer of Spectrum. He expects the clinic to begin operating within several weeks, after staff and supplies are set up for the Framingham site. After six years of legal wrangling, the Board of Selectmen curtailed the town's official opposition to the proposed facility in a settlement signed last week. The agreement incensed numerous residents, who have promised they will carry their own battle forward. "The effort to stop this clinic will still go on," said Francis X. Reilly, a leader of the citizens group FIMBY, or Framingham is My Back Yard. "We are examining what legal routes are available." "I think it's questionable that they issued the license. There was no real solid input of those affected by the clinic," said Selectwoman Ginger Esty, the only board member who refused to sign the settlement. "I remain opposed to it and am doing anything and everything I can to help the people that still wish to fight this." Spectrum operated three clinics in downtown Framingham between 1989 and 1995, but when it sought a new site, significant community opposition arose. The town refused to issue a building permit and grant a zoning variance, and the fight spilled into the courts. Last June, state Land Court ordered the town to issue a building permit, and the town appealed that decision. Spectrum also filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against Framingham, accusing the town of discriminating against drug addicts, who are considered a protected handicapped population under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The financial risk to the town - which had no insurance to cover an unfavorable judgment - prompted the town counsel to recommend the selectmen pursue a settlement. According to the agreement, Spectrum would drop the discrimination suit, Framingham would withdraw its appeal of the state Land Court decision, and each side would bear its own cost and legal fees. The last major provision of the agreement was that the Board of Selectmen would retract its opposition to Spectrum's application for a license to dispense methadone. The state Department of Public Health received that statement a week ago, and the license was issued Monday. "I am glad this has been resolved and I hope that there will not be any major problems associated with the clinic," said Jim Gordon, chairman of Framingham's Board of Health. "I feel it is in the best interest of the public health of the community to have a methadone clinic in the local area." The out-patient clinic will be able to treat up to 100 patients, and will dispense methadone in the early morning and counsel throughout the day. The downtown facility will be the 34th of its kind in Massachusetts. According to a 2000 report from the state Department of Public Health, those who use publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs in the western suburbs are 72 percent male, 81 percent white, and 39 percent employed. Forty-eight percent have completed high school. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth