Broome County is taking another step in its fight against the heroin epidemic with a plan to turn the Broome Developmental Center into a drug treatment facility.
The center closed down last April.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said Tuesday the proposal would provide out and in-patient treatment as well as mental health and detox services.
In order to move forward, interested medical providers and support groups must file an application with the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The county also has to show there is a need for the program in the community.
"Unfortunately, the heroin epidemic is insidious," Garnar said. "There is not pill that can be given to cure everything. There's a lot of different ways that people find their way to recovery and not just one way. I think this would provide a number of opportunities for people to get into longterm recovery."
There will be a public forum for residents to give their input at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Broome County Library.