Recovery Centers of America (RCA) has filed suit in New Jersey state and federal courts against the Gloucester, NJ Planning Board for a number of claims originating from the illegal denial of RCA approvals for the By-Right development of a behavioral health center located at 1840 Peter Cheeseman Road, Blackwood, NJ.

Among the claims, the suit alleges that township officials violated the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act by excluding and denying services to local residents suffering from disabilities, including alcohol and drug addiction. The suits center on Gloucester’s unexpected August denial of a By-Right, minor site plan for interior renovations on the property.

The denial came after RCA had proactively approached the Zoning Board in March, 2015 and after two months of public hearings, received an interpretation that the location was permitted for use by a residential treatment facility. That interpretation was later affirmed by the Township’s own paid consultant, Ken Lechner, who in July, testified that the project complies with all use, density, and bulk requirements and is a By-Right Application.

However, in August, when RCA appeared before the board for approval to begin minor renovations to the property, they were denied by a six-to-one vote. This was after the Board heard testimony from local residents who, rather than addressing the minor site plan request, attacked the facility and its residents, who are a protected class under state and federal law.

“The Board’s behavior was nothing short of outrageous and discriminatory, a flagrant violation of both the Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Acts,” begins Brian O’Neill, founder and chief executive officer of Recovery Centers of America. “We were told both publicly and privately that the denial had nothing to do with the renovations but rather it was a politically-based decision to deny patients receipt of treatment at this location, which is a direct and clear attack to both Fair Housing and the ADA. This issue is much greater than simply NIMBYism. Last year alone, 1,310 NJ families lost loved ones to heroin, cocaine, and prescription drug-related deaths. Those voices did not show up in opposition. But they are our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. We fight for them and will continue to fight for them. If we save one life, it will be a well-fought effort to improve our community and provide help and support for those who are suffering from this disease.”

The new facility will serve as the first national center for addiction medicine that will primarily serve the local region while attracting input from top medical and behavioral health professionals to advance substance use disorder treatment.

About Recovery Centers of America:

Recovery Centers of America offers diverse, comprehensive, and customizable behavioral health management solutions. In an industry in need of serious improvement, RCA has assembled the top experts in the field to collaborate with leadings minds in substance use disorder treatment in updating treatment technology. At each of its centrally located treatment facilities, industry-leading addiction professionals provide education, treatment, and recovery support for substance abuse and mental health disorders. RCA aim to help 1,000,000 people get into meaningful recovery, and has set the standard for the addiction recovery treatment in America. RCA is committed to becoming the first nationally branded provider of substance abuse and recovery support services in the country. For more information visit http://www.recoverycentersofamerica.com/

Recovery Centers of America (RCA)Press Contact:Greg Matusky, 610-642-4045greg@gregoryfca.com