Options are being reviewed for relocating a regional substance abuse treatment center for western Massachusetts that must move to make way for construction of the MGM Springfield casino.
Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe is looking at three locations for the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center ,which must move soon from its longtime home in a leased building that is in the footprint of the $800 million casino project in downtown Springfield.
Officials in Springfield have suggested a former nursing home on Mill Street. The Holyoke City Council this week advanced the former Geriatric Authority nursing home for consideration. Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos said talks have been held about moving the treatment center to a motel that is being used by the state as an emergency shelter for homeless families.
"There were indications the motels were looking to transition. The sheriff was running out of options so we raised it as a possibility," said Kos.
Kos, who has complained about the use of motels to house homeless families, said his primary concern is to see the substance abuse recovery program continue.
" We will work with the sheriff on what ever makes the most sense for his program because it has such a great track record. If it is Chicopee, Holyoke, or stays in Springfield we are supportive," he said.
The program started in 1985 on Howard Street in Springfield to treat inmates serving jail sentences in western Massachusetts for repeat drunken driving convictions. It transitioned about 15 years ago to treat non-violent drug offenders. The program has a current capacity of 182 inmates.
Ashe said the program has widespread support from law enforcement and elected state officials.
Relocating the program has come down to issues of money and time. Ashe said previous options that were pursued would not fit his budget. A new site must be found through a lengthy procurement process administrated by the Division of Capital Asset Management, the agency responsible for all state buildings.
MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis said most of the tenants in the 19 buildings MGM plans to demolish to make way for the casino moved by a March 1st deadline. The eviction deadline for the treatment center was extended to May 1st.
" I know they are working hard daily to figure it out," said Mathis about efforts to relocate the treatment program.
Ashe has requested $4 million from a mitigation fund controlled by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Chairman Stephen Crosby said the request will be taken up when Ashe knows how much he will need to relocate the program.
"We have said repeatedly we will be as helpful as we possibly can. But we can't deal with the issue until there is a plan on the table," said Crosby
Ashe has estimated the annual cost of the lease for the program will almost double to more than $1 million. He said one-time renovation costs at a new permanent site could be as much as $8 million.
