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Council approves conditional use permit for 36-bed recovery residence at 2134 Westerly Drive with state-approval condition
Summary
The council approved a conditional use permit allowing a 19,000 sq ft facility at 2134 Westerly Drive to be used as a large group home (recovery residence) for up to 36 individuals, contingent on the operator obtaining all required DBHDS approvals; supporters included program alumni and local nonprofit leaders.
Lynchburg City Council voted to approve a conditional use permit for 2134 Westerly Drive to operate as a recovery residence and residential treatment program serving up to 36 people.
Planner Rachel Frieseisen told the council the property — formerly the Miller Home for Girls — is in an R-4 district and that under the city's zoning ordinance large group homes are permitted with CUP approval. She noted the planning commission recommended approval and that the packet included a draft condition requiring compliance with applicable state law and licensure.
Representatives from Sabrias (the applicant/operator) described DBHDS-licensed treatment services they provide in Southwest Virginia and in Lynchburg, the program's supervision and staffing model, admission criteria and on-site monitoring. The operator said the site will be used "as is" with necessary mechanical or functional repairs and that additional perimeter fencing and staffing would be in place prior to opening.
Multiple people spoke in support, including a program alumnus who credited the provider with his recovery and job placement. "Surprise gave me that hope I needed to rebuild my life," one speaker said, describing more than 21 months sober and work as a certified peer recovery specialist.
Councilors discussed including an explicit condition requiring the operator to obtain state approvals. Councilor moved to approve the CUP with the condition that "when and where required by applicable law, Sabrias obtain all required approvals for its use of 2134 Westerly Drive as a large group home, which will be regulated as a recovery residence by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services," and to set a maximum residential occupancy at 36 individuals. The clerk recorded the motion as passing "6 with 1 absent."
The resolution approved the use subject to the stated condition; staff will follow up on licensing and compliance matters.
