The Dallas City Plan Commission on Oct. 23 granted a permanent special use permit to Viola’s House to operate a group residential facility for mothers and children on Park Row in the South Dallas Fair Park area, approving the SUP subject to site-plan conditions.

Commissioners heard proponents stress the program’s wraparound services — housing, on-site childcare, job and life-skills training and a high success rate for graduates — and opponents voice concerns about neighborhood safety and the condition of nearby properties.

“We have found that 90 percent of our graduates transition into stable housing,” said Pastor Chris Simmons, who spoke in support and noted the program’s history of partnership with Cornerstone Baptist Church. The applicant’s attorney, Andrew Ruig, told the commission the proposal is a second maternity home for Viola’s House and that the nonprofit operates additional community services, including a “baby benefit boutique” that provides supplies to at-risk mothers.

Residents including Kimberly Vaughn and T.A. Snead urged the commission to deny the request or seek different locations. “I am here to oppose the request for a group residential facility at the corner of Colonial Avenue and Park Row,” Vaughn said at the hearing, citing ongoing local issues including “drug activity, prostitution, and poor property upkeep.”

Planning staff stated the property is in a form-based subdistrict that requires an SUP when a group residential facility would be within 1,000 feet of an existing facility; the nearby Men of Nehemiah home triggered that distance requirement. Staff recommended approval subject to a site plan and conditions, and commissioners approved the permit following public comment.

Commissioner Wheeler Reagan moved to close the public hearing and follow staff’s recommendation for approval; the motion passed. The commission’s action authorizes the group residential use to proceed under the city’s SUP process, but construction and occupancy will be governed by the approved site plan and permitting steps. Neighbors and commissioners discussed ongoing neighborhood concerns during the hearing and a recent community meeting that applicants said showed general support.

What happens next: The approved SUP allows Viola’s House to pursue building permits and implement the site-plan conditions required by staff. Any changes to the permitted use or evidence of noncompliance with the SUP conditions could require additional review or enforcement actions by the city.