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BZA approves First City Recovery Center special exception for 42-bed inpatient rehabilitation clinic at 310 W. Table St.
Summary
The board granted a special exception to convert an existing building at 310 West Table Street into a 42-bed inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic; petitioner described security plans, staffing targets, and claimed accreditation and local investment.
The Kokomo City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception permitting First City Recovery Center to operate a 42-bed inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic at 310 West Table Street.
Stuart Wood, speaking on behalf of the petitioner, said the facility will operate inside an existing building (formerly a church) and will be staffed 24/7 with security measures including closed‑circuit cameras. Wood said First City aims to employ licensed staff, seek accreditation from the Joint Commission and has invested approximately $1,300,000 in the property. He also said the operation would create up to 45 jobs and that the facility will accept Medicaid as of Jan. 1, which will expand access for Howard County residents.
Board members asked about outside gatherings and staff said the facility is inpatient, with clients generally remaining inside the building; a fenced, designated smoking area will be provided and staff said it would be managed to avoid disruption to neighbors. Staff presented findings that the building meets setback requirements for the zoning district, the remodel will include necessary inspections and approvals, and that the site is surrounded by commercial or institutional uses; staff concluded the use is consistent with the Kokomo comprehensive plan’s designation for higher‑density residential uses downtown.
A member of the public, Joe Torren of 515 West Taylor, noted that roughly 200 beds for transient living now exist within a three‑block area and asked the board to consider clustering of such facilities. The petitioner and staff noted demand for treatment remains high; the petitioner said average treatment length combining inpatient and outpatient services is about 45 days and that inpatient stays are typically recommended at 30 days but there is no mandatory minimum.
After discussion the board voted to approve the special exception and adopt the petitioner’s findings as the board’s findings.
