Assemblyman

Council Member

Jeffrey Dinowitz

Andrew Cohen

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue
Bronx, NY 10463
(718) 796-5345

277 West 231st Street
Bronx, NY 10463
(718) 549-7300

April 13, 2019
Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez
New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
1450 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203-3526
Re: EKAWA LLC., 5622 Broadway, Bronx NY 10463
Dear Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez:
We are writing to strongly oppose the location of the proposed substance abuse center, EKAWA LLC., located at
5622 Broadway. This center is set to open at the heart of the Kingsbridge Business Improvement District within the
densely populated Kingsbridge community. While we acknowledge that there is a serious opioid crisis across New
York City, the placement of this proposed center will be a great hindrance to a community not at the center of this
epidemic. It is concerning to know that this location could potentially introduce a problem to a community where
there isn’t one.
The community and local businesses have worked tirelessly to ensure that the neighborhood continues to flourish
and this center would be detrimental to the many efforts that have been made. With a plan of serving at least 150
patients a day, the location of this center is counterproductive to a thriving community that serves local residents,
but is also a major shopping hub.
This proposed center is set to open for private insurances only while being placed in a community where a large
number of the population are Medicaid recipients. Not only will it create an increase in traffic in a busy corridor, but
it has no intention of serving the community where it will be operating. It will also be within less than a three block
radius of Spuyten Duyvil Nursery, elementary schools PS 7 & PS 207, St. John’s School, as well as more than a
handful of other schools located within walking distance.
Lastly, the proposed location is within the confines of the 50th Precinct and would place an unnecessary strain on
the officers who work tirelessly to safeguard the community. Any issues that arise at the center will undoubtedly
overburden an already understaffed precinct. This would clearly leave other parts of the community vulnerable.
Once again, we strongly oppose the proposed location for the rehab facility.
Thank you,

Andrew Cohen,
Council Member

cc: Kingsbridge Business Improvement District
Community Board 8

Jeffrey Dinowitz
Member of Assembly