Neighbors press Planning Commission to delay New Horizons group home; commission grants 30‑day deferral

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission on Nov. 12 recommended a 30‑day deferral for a conditional use request by New Horizons to operate a group home in a residential neighborhood, following a lengthy public-comment period in which nearby residents raised safety, outreach and training concerns.

Multiple neighbors who live on or near Rugby Road said they were not contacted directly by the property owner, Courtney Eberron, and questioned her qualifications. Jordan Lewis said she watched the previous hearing online and was alarmed that the owner “admited she does not have the proper training or certifications required to open and operate a group home,” and said direct neighbors had not been contacted. Scott Lewis, who identified himself as the police officer referenced in earlier testimony, said he appreciates group homes but wants leadership with demonstrated experience and outreach to the neighborhood.

Other neighbors described operational concerns: Tanya Sneed warned of parking and traffic strain during shift changes and questioned whether staffing levels and security measures would be adequate; Joanna Wilson recounted prior experience working in group homes and described fights, runaways and frequent police responses at other facilities; Alex Schafer cited what he characterized as recidivism statistics from the Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice to highlight risks when youths move from detention or foster care back into neighborhoods.

One speaker, Rafael Barajas, made an explicit violent threat during his remarks, saying that if the facility were approved some neighbors would “handle things the way they see fit” and implying lethal action. The commission did not take punitive action on the record but later proceeded to consider deferral.

Commissioners clarified that the deferral was at the request of the applicant, who had been hospitalized, and that the 30‑day deferral would not prejudice the city’s 90‑day review period. Commissioner Byler said she would not support additional deferrals beyond this 30‑day pause. The motion to defer for 30 days passed by a recorded vote of 11–0.

The deferral pauses formal consideration and gives the applicant an opportunity to meet with neighbors and address training, outreach and operational concerns the speakers raised.