An Open Letter to the Menands Village Board
Dear Members of the Menands Village Board, I am writing to share my concerns and seek clarification regarding the proposed establishment of Fusion Recovery in our community. Mr. Mitch Bauman, the CEO of Fusion Recovery, mentioned in correspondence with the Times Union that Fusion was advised their clinic conformed with the Menands’ zoning code. Given […]
The NIMBYism Argument: Why It’s Bogus
Here’s my take on Raga Justin’s article published on August 7, 2023, concerning the proposed expansion of services at Fusion Recovery Center in Menands. The piece provides a comprehensive overview of the differing perspectives, and I would like to offer additional insights, especially in support of Albany County legislator Alison McLean Lane and other local […]
Fusion Recovery: Neither a Medical Facility Nor a Professional Office
Recently, there’s been a significant amount of discussion surrounding the new Fusion Recovery LLC operation in our village. It seems to be a matter of concern for many, and rightfully so. Today, we’ll take a closer look at this issue. Fusion Recovery is represented by the law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King. In a recent […]
Unpacking Fusion Recovery’s Article and A Call to Action
The Albany Times Union recently featured a ‘sponsored story‘ (essentially an advertisement) by Fusion Recovery, a company planning to establish an Outpatient Treatment Program (OTP) in our village. The piece highlights Fusion Recovery’s integrated approach to treating addiction. While their proposed strategy may indeed be commendable, there are several crucial issues we, as community members, […]
Menands Village Update
Unpacking Fusion Recovery’s OTP Proposal and Our Next Steps Recently, I received a copy of a letter from Fusion Recovery’s legal counsel to the Village of Menands, dated June 21, 2023. The letter suggests that any opposition to the proposed OTP facility at 444 Broadway could potentially have legal consequences. I believe it is essential […]
Why an Opioid Treatment Program Does NOT Conform to Zoning Requirements for Professional Services or Medical Facilities in Menands
The introduction of a proposed Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) by Fusion Recovery in Menands has sparked a community-wide debate. In the crux of the issue lies a question: Does an OTP conform to the zoning laws under the categories of professional services and medical facilities? This blog post aims to provide a detailed examination of […]
Letter Sent to OASAS on June 29.2023
To Tracey.collins@oasas.ny.gov, certification@oasas.ny.gov, legal@oasas.ny.gov Dear Associate Commissioner Collins & OASAS Team I am writing on behalf of the concerned citizens of Menands regarding Fusion Recovery’s proposed Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) at 444 Broadway. Fusion Recovery’s consultant, Ms. Shari Noonan, a former OASAS Commissioner, is a known entity to us. Her involvement has created apprehension about the […]
Letter Sent to Albany County on June 29, 2023
To stephen.giordano@albanycountyny.gov, County_Executive@albanycountyny.gov Dear Commissioner Giordano, and County Executive McCoy I am reaching out on behalf of the Menands community, expressing our concerns about Fusion Recovery’s proposed Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) at 444 Broadway. We note that Ms. Shari Noonan, a former OASAS Commissioner and now a consultant for Fusion Recovery, is involved in the process. […]
Unraveling the Mystery: The Status of the Moratorium on Dispensing Controlled Substances in Menands
If you attended the Village board meeting on June 26th, you might have been left in a state of confusion regarding the status of the Moratorium on the dispensing of controlled substances in a medical facility. Specifically, I’m referring to the Moratorium that was communicated to Mitch Baumann of Fusion Recovery on June 8, 2023, […]
Interpreting Menands Zoning Laws: A Call for Clarity
Menands Village residents, we find ourselves at a crossroads, faced with an issue that has sparked much debate and concern – the potential operation of an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) within our community. While the necessity of such facilities is not in question, the location and appropriateness within the context of our village lifestyle is […]