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Neighbors question city approval of residential care facility near Hermosa Vista Elementary
Summary
Residents told the Mesa City Council that a permit for a residential care facility at 2338 East Minton Street was issued without a special-use permit and raised concerns about proximity to Hermosa Vista Elementary and zoning classification.
A group of Mesa residents told the City Council that a permit authorizing a residential care facility at 2338 East Minton Street was issued without the special-use permit they say the zoning ordinance requires for certain transitional community residences.
Michael Steffen of North Chestnut Circle said the permit (PMT24-21631) for a residential care facility was approved “without a special use permit.” He described the house as two doors west of 2040 (20 Fourth Street) on Minton and said the property backs to Hermosa Vista Elementary, where children walk and are dropped off daily.
Steffen said Mesa’s zoning ordinance distinguishes “family community residences” (permitted by right in RS zones) from “transitional community residences,” which he said are meant for shorter stays and, under the ordinance language he cited, require a special-use permit in an RS-15 zone. He told the council the operator is now applying for state licensure to run a rehabilitation facility for people with drug addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Steffen said he is a developer and also has family experience with co-occurring conditions; he said he supports services but questioned why the city treats such facilities differently than other uses and why they were not regulated with the same special-use scrutiny as, for example, home-based businesses in the same zoning district.
Mayor Mark Freeman acknowledged the comment and said the council would probably reach out to Steffen. City staff earlier had said they would provide additional information and that citizens could pursue follow-up at the council or with planning staff. Steffen requested the city clarify why the permit issued without the special-use process and whether safeguards are in place given the property’s proximity to an elementary school.
No formal council action on the permit was recorded at the meeting; comments were taken during the citizens-present portion of the agenda and the council noted the concern for follow-up.
