Letter to the Editor: Kevin Boyle “furious” over approach to Holmesburg property

Update July 19: As of today, the Holmesburg, Upper Holmesburg, Mayfair, Tacony, Holme Circle and Morrell Park civic associations have expressed opposition to the location of the clinic.

Update from Krajewski’s office, July 15: Councilwoman Joan Krajewski has appealed the city permits, and is awaiting notification of a hearing date with the Zoning Board of Adjustment. That hearing will be open to the public, and could result in a second hearing if the ZBA determines this situation requires further review.

Linda Lawrence of Krajewski’s office says the initial permit application submitted to the city was for a “medical office,” but the applicant’s true intentions for the property have since come to light.

Both Boyle’s and Krajewski’s offices confirm the permit obtained is legal, but the fight against the methadone clinic is a quality-of-life one, not a legal one.

For the better part of the past two weeks , my staff and I have been vigorously working with city and state agencies and other elected officials to confirm reports that the property at 7908 Frankford Ave. is intended to be a methadone clinic. It is my responsibility to inform you that indeed the Pennsylvania Department of Health has received an application for a narcotic treatment facility from Healing Way at that address. The power to issue a license now rests with the state Department of Health.

I along with state Representative Mike McGeehan and Councilwoman Joan Krajewski strongly oppose any effort to bring a methadone treatment facility to our community in Holmesburg. The Frankford Avenue business corridor is a strong and successful contributor to our local neighborhoods and the city as a whole. It is successful because local business and community leaders have prevented a deterioration of the commercial strip. It is naive to suggest that local schools and businesses will not be impacted by the presence of a methadone clinic. This is why I am furious that both the applicants and their attorneys failed to notify our citizens along with our representatives.

While I am concerned by these developments, and am left with many unanswered questions, I know that our neighborhood will continue to grow and succeed. Our community has weathered countless storms and remained a truly great place to live and work. We have succeeded in this by our determination and passion. I am proud to be your Representative and will continue to voice our community’s opposition to this project.

Thank you,

Kevin J. Boyle, Member, PA House of Representatives Legislative District 172