Should a school bus stop be in close proximity to property housing male graduates from an alcohol and substance abuse treatment facility? That is the question before the White County Planning Commission, and Monday, November 6, will bring the answer by a vote.
Twenty to thirty people gathered in opposition to the redistricting application Monday evening before the White County Planning Commission. The Commission held public hearings on numerous issues, but the hot topic was a piece of property off of Helen Highway just outside of Cleveland.
Opposition to location
White County Planning Commission Chairman Charlie Thomas tells Now Habersham that four or five people spoke in opposition to the redistricting application because there is a school bus stop in close proximity to the property, and the property is in a residential neighborhood. Thomas assured that those in opposition understand the need for this type of facility but not at the location requested.
There are a couple of subdivisions within a short distance of the property, as indicated by the qPublic map above. This redistricting application was for 16 Windy Acres Road, a five-bedroom, five-bath house on approximately two acres. It is currently in the R-3 Residential Seasonal District. The application requests that the property be changed to an R-2 Residential Multi-Family district.
Property tax records show a corporation out of Lawrenceville called PV Nine LLC recently purchased the property. One of the corporation’s organizers is Vincenu Visuti, who spoke at the meeting Monday evening as the representative for the redistricting application.
Recovery house rules
Thomas tells Now Habersham that the applicant explained his reasoning for the redistricting application, which includes plans to house ten men who have recently completed treatment for alcohol or substance abuse. Visuti explained that the intention is not for the location to be a halfway house and that no sex offenders would be living in the house.
Now Habersham requested a copy of the redistricting application for the property. The application includes a Letter of Intent from Visuti, which states, “I intend to provide rooming/boarding for individuals seeking a safe and sober living environment to aid in their recovery from addiction to substance abuse.”
The letter includes guidelines such as the tenants must follow “house rules,” remain abstinent from alcohol and drug use, attend weekly mandatory group and individual rehab meetings, and furnish a current criminal history. Tenants must prove that they have completed or attended rehabilitation and have remained sober for at least 30 days. Residents will be required to perform daily chores at the facility and maintain employment while living there.
Vote set for November 6
Thomas affirmed the same number of people spoke in favor of the new facility and the redistricting as spoke against it (four to five). Approximately ten others in the audience supported the plan.
The White County Planning Commission will vote on the redistricting application on Monday, November 6.
