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Board rejects Boone Behavioral Health conditional-use permit after church members say application lacked owner authorization
Summary
Rankin County supervisors rejected a conditional-use permit for a counseling program at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church after church members told the board the congregation did not approve the application.
The Rankin County Board of Supervisors voted to reject a conditional-use permit application for a proposed counseling and psychosocial rehabilitation program called New Life Counseling at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, citing disputed property-ownership authorization.
Willie Johnson, chairman of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, told the board the congregation had not been told about the application and opposed hosting the counseling operation next to the church. Murray Carr, a church member, told supervisors the person who signed the application did so without authority from the congregation and that the church property — nearly 17 acres that include a cemetery — should not be rezoned or used without the congregation’s approval.
Office of Community Development staff told the board the church’s ownership and authorization were in dispute and recommended the board not take up further action until the applicant returned with documented permission from the property owner. County policy requires proof of owner authorization for land-use applications when the owner is an entity such as a church.
Mister Gaines moved to reject the application on the basis that the owner’s permission had not been properly documented; Steve seconded. The board voted to carry the motion. No further consideration or conditions were set; the public hearing was closed.
The applicant, identified in the application as Emma Boone and seeking to operate at 935 Highway 469 North, had proposed therapy and psychosocial services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with optional weekend sessions on a 16.69-acre parcel in Zone 81. The board’s rejection was procedural: staff and members said the county needs clear, written proof that the property owner (the church) authorized the filing before the county will consider a conditional permit.
The board’s action does not prevent a future application: staff advised the applicant to return with documented authorization from the church and the matter may be resubmitted at a later meeting.
