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Neighbors raise concerns about proposed Jefferson House program at Freedom Life Church; BZA conditional-use review expected
Summary
Neighbors near Freedom Life Church on Clifty Drive told the Madison Common Council on April 22 they had not been adequately notified about plans to relocate Jefferson House transitional-housing operations to the church site and urged officials to ensure a public review process.
Several Madison residents raised safety and quality-of-life concerns during public comment on April 22 after learning that Jefferson House transitional housing services are proposed to operate at Freedom Life Church, 1534 Clifty Drive.
Deanna Copley, a neighbor who lives directly across from the church, said construction and activity at the site began without what she described as adequate notice to neighbors and said she feared increased trespass, noise and property impacts. She said an elderly neighbor was frightened by new activity and asked what residents could do to stop the project.
City response and process Mayor Bob Courtney and city staff said the operators have met with staff, are pursuing permitting and must apply for a conditional-use permit before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). City staff told the meeting that property owners and adjacent residents will receive certified notice when an application for conditional use is filed and that the BZA hearing will be public; staff said they expect the BZA review to be scheduled in May.
Why it matters: Transitional housing and recovery-support programs can draw neighborhood interest because of concerns about concentration of services, property impacts and public safety. Residents asked for clarity about services, client selection and on-site oversight.
Next steps: Residents asking for more information are advised to attend the forthcoming BZA public hearing; city staff said they will provide application and meeting information to adjacent property owners when the conditional-use application is filed.
Ending note: Council recorded the public comments and staff reiterated that the conditional-use process provides a public forum for neighbors to ask questions and lodge concerns before any full service operation is approved.
