Local residents have turned to social media and two websites to protest a planned halfway house on Readington Road.
READINGTON - Local residents have turned to two websites and social media to protest the opening of a halfway house at the site of the former Holly Thorn Bed and Breakfast on Readington Road.
"There is a real concern for the surrounding communities' safety, as well as the operation of a commercial business of this nature in a well-established residential area," according to ReadingtonNoWaypointe.com, a statement that is echoed by numerous hand-made signs on Readington Road that read "No Waypointe Rehab" and "Protect our children."
Waypointe, part of High Focus Centers, provides "outpatient behavioral health and addiction treatment programs in New Jersey," according to its website. Representative from Waypointe and High Focus Centers did not respond to requests for comment.
Mayor Betty Ann Fort said the location is intended to house up to five young men, ages 18-26, with mental health challenges for up to six months of short-term care. Those who stay at Waypointe have to fund the $21,000 monthly cost either through insurance or out of pocket.
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ReadingtonNoWaypointe.com links to an online petition where people, including those from the township and neighboring Branchburg, can discuss the property. Some have argued that the business should not be located in a residential neighborhood. The petition, which has 240 signatures as of Tuesday, has not been presented to the township, Fort said.
Both the petition and website urge area residents to attend the next Readington Township Committee Meeting on Monday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. and speak during the public comment portion.
Fort said the committee is still looking into Waypointe's plan to open the halfway house, but it is not up for formal discussion at the meeting. She said the township will always listen to resident's concerns.
The township has not heard from Waypointe on when it intends to open, Fort said. Waypointe's application to use the commercial property as a private residence was approved by the township's zoning office.
Waypointe was going to hold a public information meeting last week, but cancelled the meeting on advice from its attorney, it was previously reported by NJ Advance Media.
Emily Cummins may be reached at ecummins@njadvancemedia.com Follow her on Twitter @EmilyACummins and Facebook.