Politics & Government

Town Squashes Rumors of Drug Counseling Facility Move to Lindenhurst

The Town of Babylon is currently in talks with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to lease administrative office space in the church's former convent building, but in the face of swirling rumors, Town officials told Patch Thursday that the Town’s Drug and Alcohol Services program will not be making the move to Lindenhurst. 

"During preliminary discussions with OLPH about a leasing agreement, numerous Town programs were under consideration to be moved to this location," the Town said in a statement regarding the 16,000 square-foot building at 260 Wellwood Avenue. "However, at this time the Town’s Drug and Alcohol Services program has been eliminated from consideration for this relocation."

The Town's Drug and Alcohol Services program is currently split between two locations–one in Amityville and the other at the Town Hall Annex in North Babylon.

Find out what's happening in Lindenhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In a letter obtained by Clean Up Lindenhurst, Superintendent Richard Nathan wrote last week to Mayor Thomas Brennan expressing his support for drug counseling services at the OLPH building. However, Nathan said Thursday that letter had "been portrayed in an inaccurate manner," according to a statement on the school district's website. 

"Please know that I fully support the need for counseling services in the Lindenhurst community," Nathan wrote. "Such services improve the quality of life for all of our residents. However, with a more informed understanding of the proposed project and the suggested site for relocation, I do not believe that the South Wellwood Avenue location would be appropriate due to its proximity to the Lindenhurst Middle School and Alleghany Avenue Elementary School. 

Find out what's happening in Lindenhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I truly support all of the Town of Babylon's efforts in supporting a drug-free community, but we need to consider the best interests of all those involved or potentially affected."

Brennan could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

While talks are ongoing, Town officials said the plan is to move the Town’s Long Island Green Homes program into the OLPH building, along with other Town administrative offices.  

"By partnering with OLPH to lease this vacant space, the Town is hoping to revitalize a vital part of Lindenhurst’s main street," Town officials said. 


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