The South Fulton Planning Commission voted Nov. 16 to approve staff findings and to recommend approval of special-use permit U25-013 for a proposed group residence at 120 Cainwood Court East, forwarding the matter to the Dec. 9 mayor and council meeting.

Staff described the request as a special-use permit to allow a group residence for children in the Old National Overlay District with staff-recommended conditions: the permit be non-transferable and the operator maintain a valid Fulton business license. The applicant, who identified herself as Miss Raquette, said she intends to operate a 'second-chance' maternity home serving pregnant minors, generally housing four to six residents (she said she would comply with ordinance thresholds and not operate at nine residents), and described 24-hour staffing, oversight, and parking arrangements (a two-car garage plus driveway parking).

Eleven neighbors spoke in opposition during a prolonged public-comment period, raising concerns that the use is inconsistent with single-family zoning, would increase daily traffic and parking demand, could lead to more emergency medical calls, and could reduce property values. Several opponents cited existing group-home activity at specific addresses nearby and reported prior police incidents. One resident, Marcia Clemendorf, summarized neighborhood concerns: "The proposed use is not consistent with single family zoning... it is a quasi-institutional group." Another resident said there have already been fights and police calls associated with a separate group residence on a nearby cul-de-sac.

In rebuttal, the applicant said the home is appropriately sited, cited prior outreach (postcards and posting in the Fulton Neighbor newsletter), and reiterated that the intent is to maintain the home and screen residents; she said residents could arrive as young as 13 and typically remain until age 18, though individual stays vary. Staff clarified that the city's use table (section 2.07.06) treats group residences at thresholds starting at six residents and that a special-use permit is required for six or more.

The commission voted first to approve staff findings of fact for U25-013 and then to approve the special-use permit; roll-call votes recorded Aye from Commissioners Jefferson, Williams, Devon and Reverend Jones. The approvals are recommendations to the mayor and council; final approval or denial will be determined at the Dec. 9 council meeting.