The letter from Tom Prendergast regarding how the Sullivan West School District plans to sell the Narrowsburg Central School building highlights a symptom too often seen in decisions by local governing bodies, and that is, a clumsy lack of transparency. That’s assuming there is nothing to hide.

An equally important issue is the actual use to which the facility is to be put. The facility is supposed to house a rehab center for drug and alcohol treatment. Treatment for those addicted is a worthwhile effort, however, all treatment programs are not created equal. Several operators end up doing whatever it takes to fill their space, including bending rules and eligibility requirements, with negative results for the community. Take a look at Monticello after New York City found willing “treatment” programs and dumped scores of addicts and mentally unstable people into that town. The main street is full of beggars and people engaging in drug transactions. If that’s treatment, it leaves a lot to be desired.

William Artis

New York City and Narrowsburg, NY