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Local veterans-services leader asks council for clarity on 'group homes' language
Summary
John Burkeridge, CEO of Communities Helping Empower Patriots, told the council the zoning term "group homes" is broad and urged precise language around proposed changes near the hospital; he said his organization helps veterans transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
Havre de Grace
During the public comment portion of the Oct. 21 council meeting, John Burkeridge, who identified himself as chief executive officer of Communities Helping Empower Patriots, urged the council to clarify proposed zoning language near the hospital and cautioned the term "group homes" is broad and could be interpreted in many ways.
Burkeridge said his organization works with veterans to move them from homelessness into stable housing and that staff and contractors are local residents. "We are your neighbors, and, we are committed to doing the right thing each and every day," he said, asking the council to consider that context as it reviews zoning near the hospital.
Council members acknowledged his remarks; later in the meeting the council introduced Ordinance 11-68 (which would add a definition for group housing and include Historic Preservation Commission review of certain site plans). Robertson and others said the Planning Commission's formal opinion on the matter had not yet been received and that further discussion and public hearings would follow.
What's next: the Planning Department will request the Planning Commission's formal opinion and the council will address any substantive clarifications during the public hearing process.
