OBSERVER Photo by Jimmy McCarthy The proposed location for a methadone clinic to be run by Hispanics United of Buffalo. State Sen. Cathy Young issued a letter to the commissioner of OASAS stating her concern over the proposed site.

A number of people are taking issue with the proposed location of a methadone clinic in the city of Dunkirk, including State Sen. Cathy Young.

On Monday, the senator issued a letter to the commissioner of New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services regarding the proposed site of a methadone clinic at the corner of Third Street and Park Avenue. The building is located in close proximity to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School and its playground.

During last week’s City Council meeting, Mayor Willie Rosas announced that OASAS recently approved an opioid clinic in the city that’ll meet state regulations and city codes. The clinic will be run by Hispanics United of Buffalo and the Acacia Network.

Rosas acknowledged that the city nor he had any responsibility in the specific siting of the opioid clinic as it is up to the provider in conjunction with OASAS. Rosas said he’s been advocating for a clinic since he entered office.

With concerns over the clinic’s proximity to the school and its students, Young in her letter urges Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez to choose another location. The following is a letter issued by Young to Gonzalez-Sanchez:

Dear Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez,

I am reaching out to express my strong concern about the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services’ (OASAS) proposed siting of a methadone clinic in Dunkirk at the corner of Third Street and Park Avenue. Specifically, I am concerned about this location’s close proximity to the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School and its students, and the risks this could present to these young people. For the benefit of this community, I urge you to choose another location.

More treatment options for addicts are critical — we are in full agreement on this point. The State Senate recently fought for and secured a record $250 million in the budget to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery and education services across the state. New Yorkers who are struggling with addiction need access to treatment in order to have any hope of escaping the cycle of abuse and building a better life.

Yet, we cannot remain blind to the fact that the presence of these facilities and the addicted individuals they serve can impact the neighborhood and expose children to troubling and potentially dangerous situations. These centers are often a magnet for drug dealers looking to sell drugs to vulnerable people in recovery as they enter and exit the building. With this element in the neighborhood, crime and drug use can increase. It is our responsibility to protect our children from these risks.

It is my understanding that there were other sites under consideration before this decision was announced. I would encourage OASAS to revisit all location options and choose one at a safe distance from any schools or facilities serving children. In our commitment to combating one problem, we do not want to create another.