Operators of a newly-opened methadone clinic in Springfield, Massachusetts plan to meet with neighbors Monday who complain their quality of life has been disrupted.
Residents and business owners in Springfield’s South End have witnessed an increase in apparent drug use, prostitution, and panhandling in the last few months, according to Leo Florian, president of the South End Citizens Council.
"And the only thing that has changed in this time frame is they opened the methadone clinic," said Florian.
Florian said operators of the Habit OPCO clinic had until now snubbed invitations to neighborhood meetings.
According to the mayor’s office, the clinic agreed recently to hire off-duty police officers to provide security outside the building.
