Neighbors ask council for impact study and meeting after proposal for recovery residence near elementary school

Residents near Homer and Ann streets asked the Common Council on May 6 for further review and an independent impact study after a developer and social‑service interests proposed a residence for people in recovery at the corner of Ann and Wabash (near Homer Street), a location residents said sits steps from an elementary school and neighborhood homes.

Eileen Mark, who had applied for a Sustainability Commission seat and later withdrew that application, told the council she was “heartbroken” to learn about the proposed residence and said she feared for property values and personal safety. Mark said she “literally had to walk out” of an informational meeting about the project and asked the council to require an independent third‑party impact study “to really determine whether this is a sound location.” She asked for a residents‑only meeting limited to those with proof of residency on the immediately affected blocks.

Tom Nazamek, a nearby resident, said the neighborhood remains concerned about the proposed facility’s proximity to an elementary school, nearby bus stops and property‑value effects. Nazamek asked the council to seek an alternate location and to consider neighborhood impacts before approving any siting or licensing.

Speakers did not cite a completed permit or final approval; instead they asked for additional outreach, an independent impact assessment, and clearer answers about parking and operational plans. Council members did not adopt any immediate restrictions at the meeting but acknowledged the neighborhood’s request for more information and said staff would relay concerns to the relevant departments and project proponents.