Some residents say drug rehab center doesn't belong in Blue Point

<p>A plan to bring a drug rehabilitation center to Blue Point is not sitting well with some residents.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 25, 2017, 10:17 PM

Updated 2,337 days ago

Share:

A plan to bring a drug rehabilitation center to Blue Point is not sitting well with some residents.
The facility would move into the St. Ursuline Center, a convent that has been home to nuns for decades. 
Sister Joanne Callahan says they can no longer afford to pay $900,000 each year and had no choice but to sell it. They reached an agreement with the Seafield Center, a private group that wants to turn the convent into a 76-bed alcohol and drug abuse rehab center for women. 
The Ursuline Sisters say the center has been a place of hope, healing and transformation since 1935. When the Seafield Center approached them, they say it was an answer to their prayers. 
"It will be a bright spot in what has been a sad process," said Callahan. 
However, a group of neighbors say a drug rehabilitation center is not the right fit for the small community. 
"We are not against drug rehab center. We're against the location," said Jimmy Powers. 
"I feel for these people, but I feel like there's other places they can go where it wouldn't be a negative impact to people around them," said Joan Foley. 
Seafield Center owners told News 12 Long Island that they have been providing treatment in a residential neighborhood of Westhampton Beach for 32 years without a negative impact on their neighbors. They plan to hold a community hearing at the St. Ursuline Center on Dec. 7 to speak to residents about their plans for the facility.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road