The Gambia Street Sober House faced heavy public opposition at the March 6 meeting of the Hudson Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), with the hearing left up in the air as board members decided to bring questions to the town’s attorney before making a decision.
During the ZBA meeting, an application was revisited that would allow a sober house at 12-14 Gambia Street to continue operating for the third time with a formal variance request.
The application sought to allow up to seven unrelated people to live together in the home, which was previously cited by the Town Administrator following extensive opposition by abutters.
“My clients are seeking reasonable accommodation to use this home,” said attorney Andrew Tine, who was at the meeting to speak for applicants Brendan and Julie Burke. “What was submitted since the last time we were here is an affidavit from the operator of Jerries House, which is located on the property to provide sober living, and intake paperwork.”
Such paperwork is completed by those looking to reside in the house. Exact turnover rate was unclear.
“It seems like you guys do a weekly rental, correct?” asked Board member Tim Lanphear. “Why isn’t it monthly?”
Tine confirmed that the rental was weekly, arguing it was “easier” for residents. Despite an abstinence rule, the sober home did not provide direct treatment for addiction recovery, and Lanphear questioned the apparent lack of programs provided with rent.
“We don’t see programs like a nurse that comes by to make sure everyone is doing drug tests correctly,” he said. “A person that’s non-medical in the field shouldn’t probably be doing a test. If you have seven tenants living in this place, you’re collecting several thousand a month in a four-bedroom house or whatever it may be.”
Selectman Liaison Dillon Dumont inquired if the residents of the Gambia house had jobs or if they were encouraged to work.
“People are encouraged to work at the house. Just like any other group of people who live together, some may be 100% employed all the time, it varies,” said Tine.
Despite his comparison of the sober house to any other residential home, Tine conceded there were a few differences, including the ability to kick out renters without going through the normal eviction process.
Many Hudson residents urged the Zoning Board to reject the variance request.
“I’ve sat through several of these meetings,” said Jeffrey Hudgins, who accused the applicant of dishonesty. “It started off as an LLC applying for a variance, then it goes to Mr. and Mrs. Burke as the applicants. They’re lying. We know as residents there are more than seven people living in this house. During warm weather, I’ve walked past the house to see mattresses in their garage.”
He criticized the “self-regulated” nature of the facility, calling the vetting process “haphazard.” When asked by Board member Tristan Dion if there was any loud or unruly activity between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., Hudgins claimed that such off-hours disturbances happened all the time, including frequent police calls.
Other residents like Alex Galloway, Alejandro Urrutia, Mary Ann Wigtion, and Brian Bright had similar stories, with a focus on out-of-state license plates, questionable behavior from tenants, high turnover, and repeated police/ambulance to the Gambia Street property.
“There is a lack of, or poor care being given to these people,” said Galloway. “Every single time I see a group, it never seems to be the same people.”
William Jubinville, Jr., who was a direct neighbor of the sober house, described tenants entering and exiting the sober house at all hours of the night, accusing the Burkes of effectively running a business in a residential area.
“Can I run a business from my house? I’ve got 13 tractor-trailers I can park on the street. They run 24/7. I don’t think our neighbors would be very happy with that. Why should I get woken up at all hours of the night with people coming and going?” asked Jubinville. “It should be cut and dry.”
Tine questioned if there was any illegal drug use or activity on the property.
Despite heavy public opposition, the ZBA was reluctant to make a decision, citing legal concerns.
“The deliberation that needs to take place on this decision involves some questions we have for our attorney,” said Board Chair Gary Daddario. “We’re going to meet with town counsel, deliberate this matter, and issue a written decision.”
The ZBA hoped to announce that decision by its next meeting.
