Residents of Orange Street in Manchester voiced strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding the operation of a sober living house at 296 Orange Street, LLC. Concerns raised included alleged violations of city zoning laws, increased neighborhood disturbances, and a significant rise in traffic and crime associated with the facility.

One resident, who has lived in the area for 30 years, highlighted that the sober living house has been operating illegally since 2019, creating a \"revolving door\" of occupants that disrupts the community's stability. He emphasized that the city’s zoning laws should apply uniformly, questioning why the sober home was allowed to operate without adhering to local regulations.

Another resident, Michelle Garcia, reported a surge in vandalism and theft linked to the sober house, stating that she initiated a neighborhood crime watch due to the alarming activities occurring at all hours. She expressed fear for her safety and noted that the increased traffic and noise have made it difficult for residents to enjoy their homes.

Kaushik Kumar, a neighbor, echoed these sentiments, mentioning that he frequently observed vehicles parked for days without movement, contributing to a sense of unease in the area. Joe Giuliano, a local property owner, questioned how the sober home could operate as a six-bedroom facility when it was originally a three-bedroom house, suggesting that the city would not permit similar changes for his properties.

Gary Field presented evidence from real estate agents indicating that sober homes negatively impact property values, with estimates of declines ranging from 15% to 20%. He also raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the sober home's operations and the potential risks posed by its occupants.

The meeting also featured testimonies from residents who described the sober living house as a source of ongoing disturbances, including late-night construction noise and frequent emergency service calls. Richard Gerard, another resident, noted that the facility's operation has led to numerous police and fire department interventions, including incidents related to overdoses.

As the community grapples with the implications of the sober living house, residents are calling for stricter enforcement of zoning laws and greater accountability from local authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of their neighborhood. The discussions reflect broader concerns about the proliferation of sober homes in Manchester and their impact on residential areas.