Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 7, 2022 Boston-based health company withdraws application for special permit to run a healthcare company on Walnut Street By Mark E. Vogler R ay Cavallo said his company was willing to spend more than three million dollars to improve the interior and exterior of the two-fl oor vacant building at the intersection of Walnut and Water Streets. But after Cavallo and other representatives of Commonwealth Care Alliance Inc. (CCA) argued their case for a special permit (S-2) that would allow them to open up a healthcare facility to treat patients with signifi cant medical, behavioral and social needs, he knew no amount of money would matter. “I’m well aware of the tremendous problems with substance abuse in our town,” Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said. “This is the absolute wrong location for it,” Cogliano said. Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini said he also has some major concerns. “I’m struggling with the location being adequate and suitable,” Selectman Cicolini said. Convinced that selectmen were opposed to the S-2 perAn artist rendering of Commonwealth Care Alliance facility at 90-92 Walnut St.(Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) mit, CCA withdrew its request for a special permit. If the company had gone forward with its request and was denied, it would have to wait two years before being able to reapply for the permit. More than 60 residents from the neighborhood packed the auditorium to express vigorous opposition to the project. Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member Michael J. Paolini submitted a petition to selectmen that was signed by more than 100 residents who opposed construction of the facility. “It’s not something I feel you need in the neighborhood at this time,” Paolini told the board. “I feel this is an unsafe situation for the children and families of this neighborhood,” Stephanie Hardy of Water Street wrote in a letter to selectmen. “We already have the Salvation Army Rehab Center right up the street. I have witnessed fi rsthand many issues with this center. In all of Saugus, my area currently has two centers, and this will make it three drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers,” Hardy wrote. “This is primarily a residential area. There is a lot of traffi c congestion and this home will only add to the congestion.” Cicolini said he was troubled by potential problems created by the 10 overnight rooms on the second floor for people with behavioral issues. The fact that it won’t be a locked facility presented security problems where patients could walk out of the Not a good night for the Commonwealth Care Alliance: Attorney Adam R. Barnosky (right) watched from table as David Petzke spoke from the lectern against CCCA in Saugus while Ray Cavallo and Lauren Easton fi elded questions. This is the vacant building at 90-92 Walnut St. that is being sought for a medical health facility. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) building and into the street and the neighborhood. “People can come and go as they please,” Cicolini said. One woman said she would feel better if the facility were located on Route One “where we don’t have to worry about people wandering and being in our backyard.” Cicolini suggested that CCA consider a continuation of the hearing, but only with the provision the company eliminate the overnight facility from its plans. “I’m not supporting a residential facility at this location,” Cicolini said. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta said she BOSTON | SEE PAGE 8 Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl 64 Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
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