Should Portsmouth Extend New Rehab Ban?
Portsmouth City Council will soon decide whether or not to extend a ban on new addiction rehab facilities in the city.
On Monday, Portsmouth City Council will have a second reading on legislation to extend the ban until October 30. Council first put a stop to new facilities in November of 2021, saying they wanted time to update its zoning rules to make sure facilities were properly regulated and maintained.
Despite the number of rehab facilities, Portsmouth leads the state in the number of overdose deaths. Public officials have blamed rehab facilities for contributing to the homeless crisis and crime problem in the city, saying facilities bring people in from out of town and release them without adequate support or transportation home.
SCDN has covered multiple stories of individuals “dumped” by rehabs with no place to go.
Council members now say they want more time to gather and analyze data to determine the number of treatment facilities the area needs and what type of treatment should be available.
Portsmouth City Councilperson Joey Sandlin Remarks About Drug Rehab Moratorium
These are the highlights of the address given to the Council by 5th Ward Councilperson Joey Sandlin.
To view the entire meeting click below. Sandlin’s remarks begin at 14 min.