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Planning commission backs Fresh Start day support center; sends recommendation to city council
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit (CUP2024-00028) to establish Fresh Start Day Support, an adult day-support center at 140 West Washington Street serving up to 20 clients; staff recommended approval with conditions and the commission forwarded a recommendation to city council.
The Suffolk City Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of conditional use permit CUP2024-00028 for Fresh Start Day Support, an adult day-support facility proposed at 140 West Washington Street.
Staff planner Matthew Madaraga described the proposal as a day-support facility to serve up to 20 clients from a 1,038-square-foot suite inside an existing indoor mall in the Central Business District and Historic Conservation Overlay. Proposed activities include volunteer opportunities, employment-readiness training and community outings; the suite would also be used as a meeting point and shelter during inclement weather. The Unified Development Ordinance’s parking ratio (one space per 375 square feet) would require a minimum of four spaces for the suite; staff noted the director of planning and community development can waive parking for CBD properties because of available on-street and public lot parking. Madaraga said the city’s public works, utilities, traffic and fire offices reviewed the proposal and raised no objections, and staff recommended approval with conditions.
Applicant Tiffany Brown told the commission Fresh Start would provide “essential services and opportunities for individuals in our community who need structural support throughout the day.” Brown said the operation would be licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and funded by the state. Shannon Wolf, a resident and parent of an adult with autism, and another family member described struggles finding programs that could serve adults with challenging behaviors and urged approval. Wolf said her son had been discharged from prior day-support programs and the proposed center would help families who must otherwise provide full-time care.
Commission discussion covered licensing and funding; Brown said she is licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health for sponsor residential services and that program funding would come from the state. Commissioner comments were supportive; a motion to approve the permit with the staff conditions passed unanimously. The commission’s approval will be transmitted to the City Council with a recommendation for approval at its March 19 meeting.
