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GUILFORD – The APT Foundation, a nonprofit based out of New Haven that treats people with substance abuse problems, has purchased three adjoining parcels of land on the Boston Post Road.
According to the warranty deeds filed at Guilford Town Hall, the foundation has paid a total of $1.9 million for the three lots from 415 Boston Post Road to 439 Boston Post Road.
The 415-417 Boston Post Road and the non-numbered lot adjoining it to the west was previously owned by Michael Cecchi and Cecchi Group LLC and purchased on June 28, while the 439 Boston Post Road property adjoining the other properties to the west was sold by MGM Holdings LLC on July 25.
APT Foundation CEO Lynn M. Madden has not returned calls from CT Examiner and it is not entirely clear what services the nonprofit intends for the site.
First Selectman Matthew Hoey said he wasn’t surprised by the purchase.
“I’ve had a conversation with the CEO who had expressed interest in locating a facility on the shoreline to take care of their population that is along the shoreline all the way out to Old Lyme,” he said. “They have clients coming into New Haven and North Haven.”
According to the organization’s website, APT Foundation currently has five facilities in New Haven, North Haven, and West Haven.
“I know there will be some concern by the community by having a methadone clinic here,” Hoey said. “However, it’s more than a methadone clinic from what I understand. They have other health services.”
APT also offers primary health care, as well as mental health care including psychotherapy, family therapy, crisis intervention, and pharmacological treatment, according to the group’s website.
The properties sit next to the on ramp of Exit 59 on Interstate 95.
“Most of those will be on and off the highway,” Hoey said. “It’s quick access for people going to work from receiving their treatment.”
Hoey, who said his own family has a history of alcoholism, said treatment facilities have a significant place in any community.
“It affects people from all walks of life, socio-economic groups,” he said. “There potentially is a perception that doesn’t represent the majority of those patients coming for those services here.”
Hoey said that APT will likely still have to go through the Planning & Zoning Commission to obtain a change of use permit. Previously, the building at 439 Boston Post Road was the Play Cafe, a daycare facility.
“If they’re looking to do something where they wanted to merge the properties, they would have to go before Planning and Zoning,” he said. “Depending on what they want to do with the properties themselves, it would have to go to planning and zoning to make sure they are in compliance.”
He said the change of use request is a common request.
“They file the application and Planning and Zoning, depending on the nature of that application, will hold a public hearing, sometimes they’ll hold two public hearings,” he said. He said the process usually takes a couple months for hearings, deliberation and potential approval of the change of use.
Asked about the likelihood of approval, Hoey said, “I’m sure they have advice of council who are familiar with the planning and zoning laws and regulations, that they think the change of use is going to be something that’s acceptable and within their rights.”