FALMOUTH- Tempers ran high during this week’s Falmouth Board of Selectmen meeting regarding the proposed opening of a new Gosnold addiction recovery facility in the old Royal Health Group Nursing Home, next to the Morse Pond Elementary School.
Frustrated residents were upset that Chairman Susan Moran gaveled the meeting to a temporary close after the refusal to extend the public comments section to 10 minutes.
“Currently the major concern for all parents is the safety of our children. Morris Pond Elementary is approximately 53 feet next to the intended facility. The teachers and children will be impacted by this project,” said opponent Sara Floyd.
Some parents think that children enrolled in Morse Pond could face a larger threat such as a school lockdown due to an unruly patient.
Before Floyd could not finish her statement, her two minute time limit had expired, thus prompting for other residents to ask for an extension on her behalf.
“Public comment is raising an issue… I will adjourn the meeting if we cannot proceed,” said Moran.
“Is there anyone else who would like to speak on something other than Gosnold? Seeing no one… their will not be any interruptions… we will adjourn the meeting,” said Moran.
This prompted a massive outcry from the crowd with people yelling “shame on you,” and “under what authority can you do this” directed towards Moran.
Gosnold intends to offer 54 detox beds, 15 for rehabilitation, and another 30 dual diagnosis beds for patients with both addiction and mental health issues.
Should things go to plan, the non-profit addiction treatment center would begin renovations this fall and open in early 2019.
The purchase still requires approval from the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
By JOHN BONDAREK, CapeCod.Com News Center
About CapeCod.com NewsCenter
