FREEPORT

The Freeport Planning Board will hold a public hearing June 29 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that would create a definition for a “medication assisted treatment facility for opioid addiction.”

Town Planner Donna Larson said the board was asked by the Town Council to look at methadone clinics as well as medical marijuana dispensaries and grow facilities.

Larson said from the onset, they realized there was much more involved in the medical treatment of opioid addiction than methadone — although methadone has been a long- standing medical treatment.

Larson said Suboxone and other medications come into play, which is why the wording of the ordinance was kept open.

There are currently no organizations seeking to build such a treatment center in Freeport. Larson said they are just coming up with the wording and parameters if such a request were made for an outpatient treatment facility.

“So we looked at it and the codes enforcement officer said we would call methadone clinics business and professional offices. I looked at all of the districts where it’s allowed and it’s allowed all over the place,” Larson said.

Larson was advised by the treatment centers they observed that proximity to Interstate 295 would be crucial, so the town is looking at the area west of I-295 at the Desert Road interchange for zoning.

“ Quite frankly, I think it’s highly unlikely that Freeport would see any sort of clinic because they’re very difficult to start. They’re very expensive to start because of all the state and federal permits required and Freeport’s just not a big enough town,” Larson said.

The June 29 hearing will take place at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

dmcintire@timesrecord.com

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