DUNKIRK, N.Y. — Hispanics United of Buffalo is closing in on plans to open a methadone clinic on the corner of Third Street and Park Avenue in the city of Dunkirk.

The drug-treatment facility's location is on the opposite side of the block, and less than 200 feet away from, Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.

"We don't want any interaction. We do need a methadone clinic in the community. We do want the clinic at least a block away," said Jenny Tilaro, Northern Chautauqua Catholic School Principal.

School leaders say they, along with parents, fear for the student's safety. Children attend mass next door, walk around the block for exercise and use the playground, which can be seen from the building. 

 

 

They're calling on community leaders to find the provider a new location or risk parents pulling their kids from the only Catholic school left in the county.

"Even though we're non-profit, we are still a business. A decrease in enrollment would basically mean closing down the school," Tilaro said.

Willie Rosas, Dunkirk's mayor, says the loss would be "devastating to our community. I am not happy about the location being there."

He notes that the location "seems to be turnkey and move right in."

Rosas says while he recognizes the community need for service, he showed the provider eight alternative sites.  He says the city had nothing to do with the site selection, yet has been assured the provider will work with the school and city to address the safety concerns.

"It's not a city-owned building. This is a transaction between a seller and a buyer. The intended use does fit the city code currently and so there's very little if anything the city could do to prevent it," said Rosas.

"I think everybody needs to work together, putting on their common sense hats," said State Senator Cathy Young. 

She wrote to the commissioner of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services requesting a new location, despite the growing need for treatment.

"I believe there are many sites around the Dunkirk area where this could actually work and I'm hoping that the local officials get together to come up with an alternative plan," Young said.

The school is holding a parent meeting Tuesday night to discuss the issue.

Several attempts were made to contact Hispanics United of Buffalo Friday for comment but the organization did not immediately respond.