SSTAR denied preliminary injunction to compel city to grant building permit

FALL RIVER — A Massachusetts Superior Court judge has denied SSTAR a request for a preliminary injunction that if granted would have compelled the city to grant a building permit for the construction of a $11.7 million drug treatment facility in the North End.

The lawsuit named Inspectional Services Director Glenn Hathaway, who denied them a permit, and the Zoning Board of Appeals, which upheld his decision.

In a five-page decision, Superior Court Judge Thomas Perrino cited that the relief SSTAR sought was not appropriate at this stage of their appeal and that the agency did not demonstrate a substantial threat of irreparable harm if they did not receive the building permit.

The facility would include 30 in-patient beds and 30 beds for detox, and a clinic for outpatient treatment, including administering anti-addiction drugs such as methadone, suboxone and Vivitrol. SSTAR has also identified the facility as conducting research and education in the field of addiction.

This story will be updated.

Email Jo C. Goode at jgoode@heraldnews.com