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Commissioners pause enforcement and remove 30-day deadline for Beloved Under Grace after providers plead case
Summary
After founders of Beloved Under Grace described services for women in recovery, the Wagoner County Board of Commissioners removed a 30‑day correction deadline from a county letter and voted to place the matter into active review, giving the group breathing room while staff investigates zoning and permit questions.
Nanette Curry, a co‑founder and director of Beloved Under Grace, told the Wagoner County Board of Commissioners on June 30 that the faith‑based residential program provides comprehensive services to women recovering from addiction and mental‑health conditions. “My name is Nanette Curry. I’m a cofounder and director along with my sister Donna Witt at Beloved Under Grace,” Curry said, and described services including help obtaining identification documents, transportation to appointments, employment assistance and safe housing.
The item on the agenda was listed as an appeal of a rezoning decision, but county staff and commissioners said no formal zoning application had been filed. County staff noted they had sent a letter to the property after receiving inquiries and an exhibit from a planning consultant, Larry Curtis, that suggested the facility might fall under protections for group homes. Staff said the initial letter included a 30‑day deadline to correct an alleged violation.
Commissioner James moved to remove the 30‑day stipulation from the letter and place the matter into an active investigation so that staff can gather more information; Commissioner Randy seconded the motion. The board approved the motion by roll call vote (ayes recorded). County staff said the enforcement language and fines in the letter would be removed while they confirm whether the facility qualifies as a protected group home or is otherwise subject to zoning compliance.
Why it matters: The board’s action gives Beloved Under Grace additional time while county staff clarifies whether the facility requires a zoning application, whether earlier contacts were received by the county, and whether operations fall under state or federal protections for certain residential group homes.
What commissioners and staff said: Commissioners urged caution and further investigation before taking enforcement action, telling the founders they wanted to ensure the women served were not harmed by premature sanctions. County staff said the initial outreach resulted from a phone call and an email reporting potential additional living quarters at the property.
Next steps: County staff will investigate the property’s use, review the planning consultant’s exhibit, and return to the commission with findings; the enforcement letter will be modified to remove the 30‑day correction requirement in the meantime.
