2018: Ongoing hearings, suits for Birch Hill plan

KENT — Efforts to build a drug and alcohol rehab facility in the former Kent nursing care building on Maple Street were stalled when the state chose not to give Birch Hill the approvals it needs to go ahead with its plans.

After Birch Hill’s application was denied at the end of October, the company filed an appeal. A hearing before the state Department of Public Health was held Dec. 7. A decision has not yet been made based on the hearing. 

Kent already has two recovery facilities: Trinity Glen’s MCCA, a small facility for women-only in a residential-style building on Route 7; and High Watch Recovery Center on Carter Road. 

High Watch signed on to the Birch Hill application process as an intervenor, meaning that they were kept apprised of new developments and they had the right to cross examine the Birch Hill representatives at the public hearing. 

The Kent Planning and Zoning Commission gave approvals to Birch Hill for renovations at The Kent. High Watch then sued the commission; it dropped its suit after the state denied Birch Hill its permit.