Board approves 35‑unit development for Homeless Empowerment Program after neighbors raise safety and school proximity concerns

The Community Development Board approved a comprehensive infill redevelopment plan on Jan. 21 to allow 35 attached dwelling units on a split commercial/residential parcel at 1718 North Betty Lane, to be operated by the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) as permanent supportive housing for low‑income families.

Planning staff presented the dual‑zoned site and the project plan, describing a three‑building layout set back from adjacent single‑family properties with landscaping and a proposed six‑foot opaque fence along the north, west and south property lines and a four‑foot decorative aluminum fence along Betty Lane. Ryan Green, planning presenter, said the proposal shifts building mass toward the street to preserve a 60‑foot buffer to the west.

Ryan Green, planning and development, summarized the application: “This proposed use is for 35 attached dwelling units... the parcel itself is dual zone, both low medium density residential and commercial.” He explained the request for a reduced front setback along Betty Lane to preserve buffers against adjacent single‑family homes.

The applicant team described the project as permanent supportive housing tied to HEP’s adjacent campus of social services. Ashley Lowery, HEP president and CEO, told the board HEP provides case management, workforce development and mental‑health supports on its main campus and intends the Betty Lane site for families working toward self‑sufficiency. “This is permanent supportive housing for families with children. They will be paying rent. They're just low income families,” Lowery said.

Nearby property owners were granted party status and used that status to cross‑examine witnesses and present evidence. Dr. Sherry Predmore, who lives immediately adjacent to the site, and Kevin and Shay Roberts, neighbors within 300 feet, were granted party status. Predmore expressed safety and school‑proximity concerns, noting the site is close to Sandy Lane Elementary and Calvin Hunsinger (a specialized placement school). “I can't imagine having a homeless facility there right across from an elementary school,” she said in closing remarks.

Neighbors cited a record of calls for service at HEP’s existing campus and asked the board to weigh school safety, traffic impacts on the two‑lane Betty Lane, wildlife habitat and property values. Public commenters said they support HEP’s mission but opposed placement in this neighborhood; HEP and supporters urged separation between emergency shelter operations and the proposed long‑term housing.

The board discussed buffers, fencing, parking and the difference between emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing. Staff clarified that the proposal is not for an emergency shelter, and HEP representatives said the program screens and case‑manages occupants and seeks long‑term housing outcomes.

After questions and deliberation, a board member moved to approve the comprehensive infill redevelopment project based on the staff report, testimony and the record, adopting the staff findings and the listed conditions. The motion passed on a voice vote with all members in favor.

Actions from the hearing record

- Party status granted to: Dr. Sherry Predmore (adjacent property owner) and Kevin and Shay Roberts (within 300 feet). - Case FLD‑2024‑11023 (1718 North Betty Lane): Motion to approve comprehensive infill redevelopment for 35 attached dwelling units — approved (voice vote, all in favor).

Next steps: The applicant will proceed with required permitting, final engineering reviews and compliance with conditions recorded in the staff report; HEP and staff noted they will continue coordination on site security, case management and neighborhood mitigation measures.

Sources: Planning presentations, testimony from HEP, party‑status testimony by neighbors, board deliberation and vote recorded Jan. 21, 2025.