New Bedford residents living near the proposed drug treatment facility on Brigham street showed up in mass to Thursday's Zoning Board of Appeals hearing.

After over an hour of testimonies, the Board unanimously denied the facility a special permit to be in a residential district.

Among the crowd speaking against the location were Mayor Jon Mitchell, along with City Councilors Brian Gomes, Naomi Carney and Linda Morad.

Resident Michelle Demers tells WBSM News the high turnout proves the neighborhood's unity.

"I think it was wonderful that it was opposed. The neighborhood came together to stand up for an issue that's absolutely important to the neighborhood, to the people, and to the city."

During their separate testimonies against the facility, Mayor Mitchell and the City Council offered their help to find a different location for the treatment group.

Head of the drug treatment facility, Pebbles Stevens, said she expected to receive heavy opposition at Thursday's hearing.

"It will still happen. I mean, I just need help. I need help finding a better location, that's all," Stevens told WBSM News.

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