Planning commission recommends Fredericksburg move Jeremiah Community supportive‑housing project to city council

The City of Fredericksburg Planning Commission on Oct. 23 recommended that City Council consider a package of approvals for the Jeremiah Community, a permanent supportive‑housing development proposed by MICA Ministries and partners.

Staff told commissioners the proposal includes four linked applications: a comprehensive plan amendment to permit a vacation of right‑of‑way and a transect boundary change; a zoning map amendment to rezone 25.92 acres from R2 Residential to Planned Development Residential (PDR); a special‑use permit for institutional housing to allow 189 units; and a request to vacate 1.289 acres of unbuilt right‑of‑way on Rothman Road and Bakersfield Lane. Staff recommended the commission forward the comp‑plan amendment, rezoning and special‑use permit to council subject to acceptance of the applicants’ proffers and phasing plan.

MICA’s director, Megan Cotter, described the project as consolidated permanent supportive housing with on‑site support services, a community center and a health clinic. Cotter said the design reduces travel time for case managers and permits coordinated services that are now delivered in scattered sites. ‘‘It…