Drug Treatment Facility Gets Another Look in Chester Twp. Monday

The Chester Township zoning board will listen to a public hearing Monday night on an issue that has created some division within the community.

Members from SBH Hidden River, LLC, will be on hand to work with the zoning board for the third time in four months in regards to potentially opening a 36-bed drug treatment facility on Pottersville Road.

Officials from SBH – Summit Behavioral Health – have explained to the board in July and September how the facility would work, including the types of drug rehabilitation offered, for how long, and who the clientele would likely be.

The facility would bring in those in need of rehabilitation 5-10 days after being drug free, SBH told the board and residents in September.

On Monday, the board will be presented with a survey of existing treatment facilities in New Jersey. It is expected that the township planner will prepare a report for the board following with a recommendation.

A group of residents have banded together against the building of the rehabilitation facility, calling themselves Concerned Citizens of Chester.

In this Patch post from last week, the author cited a New York Times article regarding mishaps and dangers at drug treatment facilities located in Malibu, California.

The group is arguing that building the center in a residential area is potentially dangerous.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Chester Township Municipal Building on Parker Road. Residents are encouraged to attend the public meeting.