The Sunrise Manor advisory board on May 29 denied a request to operate a transitional living facility for released offenders and others at a single‑family residence on Stewart Avenue, citing community safety concerns and the site's proximity to two elementary schools.

Toni Euseman, representing the applicant and the operator, said the proposed program would house up to five participants plus a live‑in house manager (six residents total) for stays of 30 to 90 days, that the house would serve females only in this location, and that participants would receive intensive outpatient treatment Monday through Thursday at a nearby behavioral health office. Euseman said clients are screened by licensed clinicians and would be subject to curfews, in‑home drug testing and telehealth clinician support; she described liability insurance, a live‑in house manager and security camera measures.

The hearing drew a large turnout of neighbors and several commenters representing school employees and unions. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that the proposed site sits directly across from Rundle Elementary School and Keller Elementary School and near a school bus stop. Concerned neighbors and school district staffers raised student safety issues, questioned screening and supervision protocols, and cited past incidents and the presence of other supervised residences in the area. Jan Giles, president of an education support employees union, told the board support staff who work after hours at the schools would be at higher risk if the permit were approved.

Staff recommended approval of the permit, but the board cited location and community opposition in voting to deny the application. One board member summarized the public safety concern: “I'm not comfortable with it around the school.” The motion to deny passed on a voice vote.

The advisory board's denial is not the final step; applicants may present at subsequent county hearings. Board members encouraged neighbors to contact county commissioners and to participate in the public comment period at the county commission meeting, where the project may next appear for review.