A treatment center for affluent drug and alcohol addicts is in its early stages of development at 13 South Boulevard in Onset, according to the property’s new lessee John Coughlin.

For the past several weeks, since renovations began at the former Harborview Inn, rumors have been flying and concern has been mounting that the property will become a halfway house.

Coughlin is the founder of Gianna's House, a nonprofit organization that provides housing for men and women in need of a structured and sober living environment. Gianna's House operates two "sober houses" on Main Street in Wareham.

"We are rehabbing the inn," Coughlin confirmed. "It is completely separate from Gianna's House. We are looking to service a higher-end clientele."

According to Coughlin, the inn would serve as a treatment center for affluent drug and alcohol addicts and will provide a safe, stable environment for those looking to lead a sober life. The facility would offer such amenities as catered meals and waterfront views.

Coughlin lives in Carver, but grew up in Onset where his parents still reside. According to Coughlin, he got the idea to restore the building from his father, who knows Haborview Inn owner Tony Gomes. Coughlin said that Gomes, 88, was recently assaulted by an intoxicated seasonal guest at his hotel. Coughlin said he believes the treatment center will safeguard the community from similar situations.

As it stands, Coughlin has not applied for a change of use permit, a prerequisite for opening such an operation, according to Director of Inspectional Services Myles Burke, who added that he has received calls from concerned neighbors.

Coughlin said he has been in touch with both Burke and Town Administrator Mark Andrews to discuss his plans.

"It is a residential area," Andrews said. "As far as I'm concerned, it will remain a residential area."

Concerns among Onset residents seem to stem from not knowing exactly what is happening in the neighborhood.

"We're already having vagrancy in town, I think a halfway home will add to the problem," said Onset resident Theresa O'Neill.  "I'm not against it. Most of the concern is lack of information. What do we do if there's a problem?"

Wareham residents seem to be unaffected by the two Gianna's House sober homes on Main Street, according Wareham Village Association President Jackie Lindsey.

"There are people who don't know about it," Lindsey said. "From what I see, it doesn't affect people's day-to-day life."

Gianna's House employees expressed the same sentiment.

"We have a good relationship with the community," noted employee Andrea Curtain. "We don't see a lot of negativity."