The proposal of a planned methadone clinic in Northeast Philadelphia has spurred local citizens into action.
Holmesburg residents as well as politicians gathered for a protest on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, State Rep. Kevin Boyle and Democratic 6th District candidate Bobby Henon were all on hand.
The Healthy Way LLC, the owners of a national chain of methadone clinics, want to build one on 7900 Frankford Avenue, a residential area that includes a children's day care center and a middle school directly across the street of the proposed site.
"We don't need them in areas where the vulnerability of those that are innocent can be compromised," said Pastor Ed Johnson of the Holmesburg Baptist Church.
Dennis Kulp, the owner of 7900 Frankford, tells NBC Philly that he was lied to. He claims that he agreed to rent the property to Healthy Way who told him that they wanted to renovate the property for medical practice. City council then approved a medical business permit. Kulp claims that he had no idea that the group applied for a state permit to run a methadone clinic.
"What we're missing here in the lack of transparency is a due process of a hearing," said Henon. "The public has not had its process of a public hearing officially from the department of state."
NBC Philly tried to contact an attorney representing Healthy Way but did not receive a response.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Rep. Boyle plans to send a petition to Dr. Eli Avila, the Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary, hoping that the health permit will be rejected.
For now, all Holmesburg residents can do is let their voices be heard.
"We don't need drugs in Northeast Philly," said Eddie Broccolo. "Northeast Philly is a good place to live."
