Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023 Neighborhood protests proposed Transitional Home at North Shore Rd. business Friday L ast Friday morning, approx. 40 Oak Island area residents attended a protest of a proposed construction 24-bed facility to help individuals transitioning from treatment to training at 84 Arcadia St. that would off er those who are transitioning from substance abuse treatment to a facility off ering lifechanging training through a programed re-entry back into society. Protesters gathered in front of European Collision Works, the owners of the proposed facility, on North Shore Road, to voice their opposition to the project. Since its introduction a few weeks ago, the proposal has been met with resistance from the neighbors and city council. Protesters have made claims that the proposed facility would be the equivalent to a homeless shelter or sober house consisting of unstable and possible criminal element that would be a negative impact to the neighborhood citing various public safety issues. Attorney for the developers, Gerry D’Ambrosio has stated that the individuals have been misinformed about the proposed facility’s function and clientele, stating that residents would be vetted for criminal records, would not off er treatment for drugs and alcohol, and all clients will have already completed sobriety treatments. The local attorney also cited that the project falls under the Dover Amendment, which exempts educational, religious, and agricultural businesses from certain zoning restrictions, which cannot be voted on by the city council. Protest organizer, Anthony Parziale (left) discusses the protest with Frank Mahoney-Burroughs. Eleanor McCarthy and Joanne Gaff Monteforte hold signs on North Shore Rd. Friday. Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro stands with Ward 5 residents last Friday morning on North Shore Road. Oak Island residents are shown protesting on North Shore Rd. on Friday.
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