Wiscasset selectmen Tuesday night, July 18 put off until Sept. 19 a decision on Amistad/commonspace’s request for a business license for Harbor Peer and Wellness Center at St. Philip’s Church on Hodge Street. Selectmen and Town Manager Dennis Simmons said the discussion – filled with concerns over trust and potential safety and property impacts, and support for the proposal as a benefit to the town and people in recovery – left them with more questions than answers.
The license application describes the proposed center as “a community resource and recovery center offering support groups and one-on-one coaching/mentoring, along with other community enrichment offerings.”
The vote to table the request until Sept. 19, contingent on the applicant submitting a more detailed plan, passed with Pam Dunning, motion maker William “Bill” Maloney and Chair Sarah Whitfield in favor and Terry Heller abstaining. Whitfield explained at the discussion’s outset, Heller was recusing herself due to her involvement with St. Philip’s.
Proposing the two-month tabling, Maloney said this would provide a cooling off period and that maybe Amistad will see about going somewhere else. The statement drew applause in the meeting at the town office and which was carried on Zoom and YouTube. The organization’s executive director Brian Townsend then said it appears there has been a “really effective campaign to block something.” Other communities have welcomed the programs, he added.
Maloney told Townsend, “You’ve got a lot of angry people out there in the audience. How can you assure them they’re not going to get up in the morning and find people sleeping on their lawn (or) their porch ... ?”
The center cannot do needle exchanges, Townsend said, citing an “extremely explicit” contract with Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The center must be program-focused, not “open-ended, drop in space”; and must be able to connect clients to other help, from community partners, he said.
The board named Allen Cohen to the ordinance review committee; Heather Jones and Robert Nesbitt, budget committee; and Heather Jones, Peter Eaton and Mary Finn, comprehensive plan committee; and nodded business licenses for Down Yonder, LLC, a sandwich and salad shop, 100 Main St.; Hand-E-Man Sidework & More, 285 Birch Point Road; and Angelo Santo, a gallery and art studio, 64 Main St.