CARMEL – After two attempts to establish a stabilization center in Putnam County failed, officials are now considering a new plan to build one in Garrison.
Putnam Legislators Dan Birmingham of Southeast and Nancy Montgomery of Philipstown have called on their colleagues to allow People USA to purchase a residence on Philipse Brook Road for some $1.3 million that would be converted into a facility for those in need of 24-hour, drop-in services for people experiencing a mental-health or substance-abuse crisis.
People USA originally intended to rent space located above a childcare facility in Brewster. However, strong community resistance prompted officials in Southeast to enact a temporary ban on permits for medical and mental-health clinics.
The nonprofit organization located in Poughkeepsie tried to establish a stabilization center in an office building in Carmel, but faced strong resistance. As a result, the Carmel Planning Board denied their application.
The center’s creation in Putnam is being exacerbated since People USA was awarded $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, money that must be spent by December 31.
Putnam’s Commissioner of Finance Williama Carlin is fearful the county will lose the federal dollars and because of the approaching federal deadlines, he has asked the legislature to divert the funds to paving projects.
The executive branch of county government is willing to transfer the $2.1 million but Birmingham said he was uncomfortable with “trading human services dollars for blacktop.”
People USA has received state approval for renovation plans for the Garrison location.
Putnam Legislature plans to further discuss the issue at tomorrow’s regular monthly meeting.
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