Torrington nixes methadone clinic as lawsuit looms

TORRINGTON, Conn. (AP) — Torrington zoning officials have denied a proposal to locate a methadone clinic, drawing criticism from the lawyer for the proposed clinic that addicts face bias.

Officials said they acted because of traffic and safety concerns.

Commissioner Paul Summers, who cast the only vote in favor of the clinic, said Torrington could face U.S. Justice Department scrutiny for the denial and accusations that rejecting the clinic is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects addicts seeking treatment from discrimination.

Diane Whitney, an attorney for the applicant, Hartford Dispensary, said her client will sue.

Whitney said the denial questioned whether the reasons could be seen as bias against addicts because it assumes people seeking methadone treatment would require additional security.