Eden Hill still waiting for OK to expand

NORTH CANAAN — Two public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Aug. 18 resulted in an approval in one case and a chance for further review of the other.

Mountainside Addiction Treatment Center on Route 7 was granted a special permit to build a new roof over a rear porch used as a smoking area. The old metal roof will be replaced by a wooden roof of the same dimensions. It will be required by building code to have a fire sprinkler system. P&Z approval is needed because the facility is a nonconforming use under zoning.

A permit for a small expansion to the number of clients that may reside at Eden Hill, a new drug and alcohol recovery facility on Route 44 and Trescott Hill Road, was tabled so P&Z members may review materials presented at the Aug. 18 meeting.

Dori Gay, who owns the property and runs the facility, talked about how women come there to complete their recovery. They are usually referred by treatment centers and can come and go, but they are supervised, unlike at a halfway house.

The six-bedroom house currently houses up to six clients at a time, and was opened under the federal Fair Housing Act June 1. Gay is now seeking a local permit to allow up to 10 clients.

She did not expect to seek to expand so soon, but the facility has had immediate success. The permit would be for a boarding house, as halfway houses are not listed in North Canaan’s zoning regulations.

There were no comments from the public during the hearing, but P&Z members expressed concerns about potential impacts on the neighborhood as a result of client issues, such as restraining orders against other parties.

Gay responded that concerns for client safety are addressed through an alarm system, client check-in and an intensive knowledge of a client’s situation so that precautions can be taken as needed ahead of time.

Clients arrive after going through detoxification, and they are tested for drugs and alcohol daily. There is no government authority with jurisdiction over the facility’s operations, but Gay said her license as a therapist makes her answerable to whatever happens there.

Gay sent out notices of the hearing to all neighboring residents and property owners, and invited them for coffee and tours. She said she has not gotten any sort of response from anyone.

The public hearing will continue on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.