Action Plan

At Menands United for a Safe Community (MUSC), we understand the importance of a clear and comprehensive action plan to effectively oppose the establishment of a methadone clinic in our residential area. Our strategy focuses on mobilizing community members, raising awareness, and engaging with local authorities and decision-makers.

Outlined below is our strategic action plan to address this issue:

1. Research and Information Gathering: Our first step involves gathering relevant data and research to better understand the potential impacts of the proposed methadone clinic. This information will be crucial in formulating well-informed arguments and addressing community concerns.
2. Community Outreach and Awareness: We will organize community meetings, distribute informational materials, and utilize social media platforms to raise awareness about the potential risks and negative impacts of the methadone clinic. This will help generate broader support for our cause and encourage more community members to get involved.
3. Collaborate with Local Organizations: We will seek partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and schools to create a united front against the methadone clinic. By joining forces, we can amplify our message and expand our reach.
4. Engage with Local Authorities and Decision Makers: Our group will engage in productive dialogue with local authorities, village officials, and policy makers to express our concerns, present our research findings, and work collaboratively to find alternative solutions that protect our community
5. Media and Public Relations: We will actively seek opportunities to share our story and concerns with local and regional media outlets. By garnering public attention, we can increase pressure on decision makers and gain additional support.
6. Legal Assistance: If necessary, we will explore legal avenues to oppose the methadone clinic and protect our community’s best interests.

Get Involved

We encourage community members who share our concerns to get involved in our efforts to oppose the methadone clinic. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

1. Join MUSC: Become a member of our group and participate in meetings, events, and discussions. Your involvement is crucial to our success.
2. Volunteer: Help with community outreach efforts, event planning, social media management, or other areas where your skills can make a positive impact.
3. Spread the Word: Share our message with friends, family, and neighbors to raise awareness and garner support for our cause.
4. Attend Meetings and Public Hearings: Participate in community meetings, public hearings, and other gatherings where decisions about the methadone clinic may be discussed.

Here’s a sample email to send to OASAS – the State Agency in Charge of Program Certification

Please note that adding some personalization rather than just cut & paste is preferred – but cut & paste is better than no action!

To: tracey.collins@oasas.ny.gov
legal@oasas.ny.gov
certification@oasas.ny.gov

Subject Line: Urgent Community Concerns Regarding the Proposed Fusion Recovery Facility in Menands, NY

Dear Oasis Team,

I am reaching out to express my opposition towards the proposed recovery treatment center by Fusion Recovery in Menands, NY. As a resident of Menands, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact this facility may have on our community.

Here are my primary concerns:

1. Inadequate Emergency Support: Our village, with its modest population of 4,500 people and a police department with only two officers on duty at any given time, may struggle to provide sufficient emergency support. Our local EMS responders from the town of Colonie have already been overwhelmed with calls. I worry about the potential lack of adequate emergency support in case of a medical emergency at the Fusion Recovery facility.
2. Lack of Transparency from Fusion Recovery: The company has not been forthcoming in their responses to our community’s inquiries. We are yet to receive clear answers about their operational plans, their strategies for addressing potential crime and nuisance, and their impact mitigation plans for our community.
3. Lack of Experience within the Fusion Recovery Team: The CEO of Fusion Recovery, Mitchell Baumann, seems to lack experience running a methadone/suboxone outpatient clinic in New York State. His lack of expertise and experience raises concerns about his ability to manage this type of facility safely and effectively.

As a concerned citizen, I understand the importance of facilities such as hospitals and clinics having the necessary support from local EMS and law enforcement to ensure public safety. However, Menands appears to lack the resources to provide adequate support for a facility of this size and scope. I am apprehensive that individuals seeking treatment at this facility may not have the emergency support they require should they encounter a medical emergency in our village.

Therefore, I urge you to reconsider and deny the application for certification for the Fusion Recovery facility. I firmly believe that this facility could pose a serious risk to the safety and welfare of our community.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Here’s a sample email to send to local officials:

Send by using the contact us form on the Village of Menands website

Dear Mayor & Village Trustees

I hope this email finds you well. As a concerned resident of the Village of Menands, I am writing to inquire about the approval process and any public hearings that were held in relation to the Fusion Recovery methadone clinic in a residential neighborhood.

As you may be aware, there is growing concern among community members about the potential impact of this clinic on our neighborhood. In order to better understand the decision-making process and ensure that the concerns of the residents are taken into account, I kindly request information on the following:

The approval process: Could you please provide a detailed outline of the steps and requirements that were followed to approve the establishment of the methadone clinic in our residential area? This information would help us better comprehend the legal and procedural aspects of the project.

Public hearings and community involvement: Were there any public hearings or community meetings held to discuss the proposed methadone clinic, gather input from residents, and address potential concerns? If so, kindly provide details about these events, including dates, locations, and outcomes.

Your Position: are you in support of this clinic? If not, what steps were taken to alert the public?

I appreciate your dedication to serving our community, and we trust that you will prioritize the safety and well-being of the Village of Menands in your decision-making process. Your prompt response to this inquiry would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Together, we can protect our community and ensure it remains a safe, family-friendly, and welcoming environment for all. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more, please start by signing our petition. We look forward to working together for a safer and stronger Menands community.