NORWAY – Voters adopted a temporary ban on “methadone treatment facilities” at a special town meeting Thursday, following suit with Oxford and acting the same night Paris was expected to discuss a similar ordinance.
The three towns have reacted quickly to news that a for-profit agency has approached local officials about the possibility of locating a methadone clinic in the region.
Oxford adopted a methadone clinic moratorium at a special town meeting Monday. The moratorium presented to Norway voters Thursday was approved unanimously by about 30 voters, including members of the Board of Selectmen.
Town Manager David Holt explained that the moratorium is intended to give the town time to review its ordinances and consider provisions regarding methadone clinics, or facilities that administer methadone to treat addiction to opiates such as heroin.
Holt said that while he has some concerns about such a clinic operating in the area, he does not think the town may prevent one from coming.
He added that he and Norway Police Chief Rob Federico believe opiate addiction is a disease, and that there are people in the community who need help. However, Holt said, “While we care about those individuals, our priority is the community as a whole.”
Also, Holt said, “We don’t think there’s enough people to keep a methadone clinic in business in Norway, Paris and Oxford, so the trade would have to come from a wider area.”
The ordinance was subject to two small amendments before it was adopted. It stated that “no person shall locate or operate a methadone treatment facility in the Town of Norway” while the ordinance is in effect. Michael Micklon of the Norway Planning Board asked whether that would prohibit Stephens Memorial Hospital or local doctors from using methadone for similar treatments.
“I don’t like the idea of a clinic any more than anyone else,” he said, but added that he did not want people suffering from addiction, which is a disease, to be denied treatment.
Voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to exempt the hospital from the ordinance.
Voters also approved an amendment to set Dec. 30 as the end of the moratorium.
Holt said the moratorium may at that point be renewed at a special town meeting.
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