Settlement Hearing Set For Proposed Rehab Facility In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — After a previous rejection, a proposed detox and rehabilitation center will be going before the Berkeley Township Zoning Board of Adjustment with amendments to the original plan.

Quantum Behavioral Health, which operates an outpatient treatment facility in South Toms River, had hoped to open the detox center at 6 Allard Road, which previously housed Bayville Manor. But a number of residents spoke out at a four hour meeting, and the plan was denied. Read more: Location, Safety Biggest Issues For Bayville Detox/Rehab Center

Last May, Quantum filed a lawsuit against Berkeley and the zoning board, claiming that officials

"unlawfully yielded to the prejudices and fears of neighbors about the presumed harm that people with disabilities would bring to their neighborhood, often termed 'NIMBY' or 'not-in-my-backyard.'"

The 109-page lawsuit said that officials "held one 'kangaroo' public hearing that screamed of pretext and discrimination" and that their denial of the application following that hearing was "based upon inaccurate statements and is devoid of any non-discriminatory or any other valid basis for the denial."

Officials with Quantum have been insistent that the facility would in fact be beneficial to the local community, giving those dealing with addiction a safe place to detox. There would be a number of security measures in place, including pre-screening and 24/7 monitoring. Read more: Detox Facility Will Be A Benefit To Bayville Community, Director Says

Even more security measures are planned to be implemented as well. According to public notice, Quantum proposes adding an eight-foot vinyl fence along side and rear property lines and planted buffers along Allard Road and the westernmost property line.

Additionally, all patients will be screened and no one under government supervision for violent crimes will be admitted, surveillance cameras will be installed and monitored 24 hours a day, a security system will be installed to prevent unauthorized entry or exit, sliding glass doors in each room will be permanently locked (except as required by fire code), all doors that allow entry and exit to the building will be alarmed and patients will not be allowed visitors except as clinically directed.

This will be discussed at an upcoming zoning board hearing set for Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. It is what's known as a "Whispering Woods settlement," based on a New Jersey court case from the 1980s. This will allow Berkeley and Quantum to settle the lawsuit without a full hearing, but allowing the public to hear the terms. In the settlement, Quantum seeks approval of the facility, with the aforementioned amendments.

All members of the public are invited to attend the hearing.