City council approves special-use permit for memory-care group home at 9423 Adams Street

The Omaha City Council on May 20 approved a special-use permit to allow a large-group living memory-care residence at 9423 Adams Street after public comment and a split vote.

Council approved the permit 5-2. Council members who voted yes said the operating statement specifies memory-care residents and noted state Department of Health and Human Services licensing and local fire and sprinkler requirements will apply before the facility opens. Opponents raised concerns about house size, density, parking and proximity to existing homes.

The applicants, Julie Harding and Katie Block, identified themselves as local health-care providers. Harding said the facility will focus on memory care, that residents will not be drivers, and that staffing ratios will be set by resident counts — roughly one staff member per four to five residents — with two to three staff on duty at typical times. She said there will be five off-street parking spaces, a three-car garage and additional private spaces not on the street. The applicants said they must still complete Department of Health and Human Services, fire and sprinkler approvals before construction and licensure.

Neighbor Rita Kaiser, who lives adjacent to the property, urged denial. She described a 42-year residence in the neighborhood, said the house is among the largest in Turtle Creek, and told council she was concerned about 10 bedrooms, the effect on property sales and on-street parking congestion on a busy hill. Additional neighbors questioned whether the neighborhood already has group homes and asked about the number of similar homes nearby.

City planning director Dave Fanslough told council the record identifies one small group-living facility within 500 feet of the site; he said planning staff could not verify other potential private facilities beyond that known instance. Fanslough also noted the operating statement proposed by the applicants would limit the use to memory-care residents; he advised council that if the permit is approved the facility would be expected to operate consistent with that statement.

Council members pressed the applicants about experience running a memory-care facility. Both applicants said they have long careers in long-term care and home-care operations but said this specific residential memory-care home would be their first facility of this exact type; they added they have taken administrator licensing courses and that one applicant is a nurse.

Council discussion emphasized parking, neighborhood compatibility and the limits of city oversight versus state licensing. A motion to deny the permit received no second and the motion to approve carried on roll call, 5 in favor and 2 opposed. The applicants and city staff noted the project still must comply with DHS and fire code requirements before moving forward.

The council record shows the Planning Board and planning permit staff recommended approval of the special-use permit.