Fox Hill Real Estate’s recent assertion that if Fox Hill/McLean is allowed to move forward with their facility at Fox Hill under a CLA definition,  there is no danger of future facilities pulling the same maneuver because it is “hard to get a license” is patently false. CLAs are highly encouraged by the state, and are extremely helpful to achieving independent living for many citizens who could not otherwise do so. They are a necessary part of the fabric of every community, and we need more of them. 

The problem we have is that what Fox Hill/ McLean is proposing is NOT a CLA. Allowing Fox Hill/Mclean to inappropriately use this definition to justify placing a 24/7 commercial facility into a neighborhood is a danger not only to Camden, but to the entire state.  We don’t have to look too far to find a good example of another facility who could have very easily played these games. Let’s take a look at the new Sussman House, currently being built in Rockland. Here is the description of their facility from their website: 

“Sussman House will provide state of the art pain and symptom management combined with compassionate care, away from the hustle and bustle of a hospital or a rehabilitation facility. The atmosphere will be one of peace and tranquility and the interior design and furnishings will look like, act like, and feel like home.”

The Sussman House, currently undergoing construction in Rockland, may have loved to locate in one of the many beautiful waterside estates in the area, but commercial operations are not permitted there. So they are building a new structure in a permitted zone—something our group has implored Fox Hill/McLean to consider since discussions began.  

We applaud the Sussman House for following the zoning code and building its facility in an appropriate zone. We thank them for not playing endless legal and PR games and dividing a town as a result. We thank them for not unfairly accusing our group of fear or prejudice towards those they are serving. We thank them for not using FHA laws to try to shoehorn their facility into the middle of a quiet, residential neighborhood. 

Rules apply to everybody, Fox Hill/Mclean. Your claims to be a CLA are disingenuous and insulting to all of the people who peacefully coexist in such arrangements throughout our communities today. Your expectation that citizens won’t see the difference between your proposal and a CLA insults our intelligence. 

Louisa Enright
Camden