Board approves special-use permit for Haven Health mental health and substance abuse facility at 1807 Jamestown Road

The James City County Board of Supervisors approved a special-use permit allowing Haven Health to operate a residential mental health and substance-abuse treatment facility at 1807 Jamestown Road, a property that previously housed an assisted-living use. The board amended the staff resolution to change the commencement condition from 24 months to 36 months and approved the application with conditions intended to mitigate neighborhood impacts.

Why it matters: The facility would provide inpatient detox and residential treatment for up to 50 individuals for 30- to 60-day stays, according to the applicant. Supporters said the location is strategically important for veterans and active-duty families and argued the facility would address a regional shortfall in behavioral-health capacity.

What staff and the planning commission said: Planning staff described the proposal as compatible with surrounding zoning with limited exterior changes, noting the site had prior approvals for a care-type use. The planning commission voted 7–0 to recommend approval subject to proposed conditions. Staff recommended approval with the attached conditions, and planning staff told the board the proposed changes to the site would focus primarily on parking improvements and ADA accessibility upgrades.

Applicant and clinical details: Cheyenne Ryker, general counsel for Haven Health Management, described Haven’s operator and accreditation standards and said the company operates joint-commission- and CARF-accredited facilities. Jackie Daniels, the applicant’s clinical representative, cited state overdose and suicide statistics and said the program offers coordinated psychiatric, medical and substance-use care and will provide wraparound discharge planning. Taylor Parker, the applicant’s planner, described retaining the Jamestown Road buffer and limited exterior changes.

Community concerns and mitigation: Nearby property owners asked about parking, perimeter separation and the presence or absence of on-site visitation. The applicant said the proposed residential and detox program will not permit patient visitors, will not accept involuntary commitments and will staff the site 24/7 with clinical and nursing personnel. The applicant requested a 36-month commencement window to allow for licensing and build-out; staff indicated no objection to the extension.

Vote: The board adopted the special-use permit with the amendment changing the commencement condition to 36 months. The planning commission had recommended approval 7–0; the board’s roll call on final approval recorded unanimous support.