In case you missed it: Detox facility to be built in Kent

KENT —In a split vote at their October meeting, Kent’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved an application for Birch Hill, an 85-bed for-profit drug and alcohol detox and residential treatment facility to open in the building that was formerly The Kent at 46 Maple St. 

The approval followed an extended public hearing period that began in July when the application was first put forward.

Birch Hill elicited strong opinions from residents both opposed to and in favor of the facility. There was standing room only at several Planning and Zoning meetings and hearings where the facility was discussed. 

Safety and the additional burden Birch Hill could place on Kent’s emergency services were the main concerns of those opposed.

“We are pleased with the approval of our project and will abide by the conditions stipulated in their decision,” said Project developer Ari Raskas, referencing the multiple conditions placed on Birch Hill by the commission. 

Birch Hill will be required to hire Emergency Medical Technicians who will become members of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department. The facility will have to maintain the highest level of state certification and it will have to install 6-foot perimeter fencing.

Birch Hill applied for a Certificate of Need from the state in September and has already received a response. The developers of the project are currently working on their next steps. 

The goal is to have the facility open and operational by Jan. 1, 2019.