Board considers zoning for new personal care home in Nollywood neighborhood

The Zoning Advisory Board meeting held on May 8, 2025, in Henry County, Georgia, focused on a proposal to rezone a property for use as a personal care home. The applicant, who is the property owner, presented a plan to provide care for four adults with special needs, emphasizing the need for such services in the community.

During the meeting, the applicant explained that the home would be staffed with one caregiver at a time, with plans for 24-hour supervision by multiple staff members. The property is currently occupied but is expected to be vacated soon. The applicant assured the board that the home would be equipped with necessary accessibility features and had received prior approval from the Bureau of Community Health and the fire department, although the board staff noted that these approvals would need to be confirmed before a business license could be issued.

Concerns were raised by several local residents during the public comment portion of the meeting. One resident expressed worries about the potential impact on property values and the overall character of the neighborhood, which includes families and children. Another resident highlighted the presence of existing personal care homes in the area and shared concerns about safety and the adequacy of services provided to vulnerable populations.

The board members engaged with both the applicant and the residents, seeking clarification on various aspects of the proposal, including the age range of the clients and the potential for noise disturbances. The applicant reiterated that the home would operate quietly, similar to a regular residential setting.

As the meeting concluded, the board was tasked with considering the proposal, weighing the community's need for personal care services against the concerns raised by local residents. The outcome of the board's decision will be significant for both the applicant and the surrounding community, as it will determine the future use of the property and its impact on local residents.