Cymbrowitz wants public input when siting drug rehab centers
By RICHARD MOODY
After halting construction of a drug recovery center in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, D- Brooklyn, announced he is sponsoring a bill (A.8237) that would require government agencies to solicit and consider public input before approving the placement of outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities.
"I cannot overstate the importance of these outpatient facilities, but appropriate placement is essential," Cymbrowitz said. "This common-sense legislation would ensure that the community is afforded the opportunity to provide input on the establishments of a chemical dependence facility in their area."
According to a spokesman for Sen. Diane Savino, D–Staten Island, the senator will be sponsoring the bill when the next session begins. Savino protested the Sheepshead Bay site with Cymbrowitz back in July.
The original site for the center was planned to be at 2632 East 21st Street in a three story building the assemblyman said was a block away from a school. According to Cymbrowitz, chair of the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, one reason he opposed that particular location for a rehab site is the children who live in the building. Another reason he said is the lack of parking spaces for buses for transporting patients.
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