South Burlington opiate treatment office wins Environmental Court approval

The Environmental Division of Vermont Superior Court has cleared HowardCenter to operate a medication-assisted opioid treatment office in South Burlington.
South Burlington School District had appealed the Development Review Board’s approval for interior renovations at the medical facility at 75 San Remo Drive, arguing that the facility was not a medical office and therefore required additional review. In his decision, Environmental Judge Thomas G Walsh found that HowardCenter’s facility is a medical office and, therefore, a permitted use that did not require additional review by the City.
Citing Chittenden County’s urgent need to respond to clients seeking opioid treatment and its confidence in the City’s initial ruling, HowardCenter opened the office to clients in September while awaiting a ruling by the Environmental Court.
HowardCenter is pleased that the Environmental Court has upheld South Burlington Zoning Administrative Officer’s ruling and is especially pleased to provide this critical service to clients and the community.’
HowardCenter’ offers life-saving professional crisis and counseling services to children and adults; supportive services to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities who need help with education, employment, and life maintenance skills; counseling and medical services for those struggling with substance abuse, and intensive interventions for adults with serious and persistent mental health challenges. The agency serves 15,000 individuals and families each year, mostly in Chittenden County (although some programs are statewide).
HowardCenter 11.14.2013