Madras planning commission recommends council approve BestCare zone change for 16‑bed treatment facility

The Madras Planning Commission unanimously recommended the City Council approve a requested zone change (CC‑25‑1) that would rezone four tax lots from R‑1 to R‑2 to accommodate a residential treatment facility operated by BestCare. The commission closed the public hearing after staff and the applicant described site improvements and program details and no members of the public spoke against the proposal.

Staff said the change is necessary because residential treatment facilities are not permitted in R‑1 but are allowed in R‑2, and that the request includes all four contiguous tax lots to simplify site planning. Staff also told the commission applicants will need to bring Northwest Oak, Northwest 3rd and Northwest Poplar streets to city standards — including pavement, sidewalks, landscaping and right‑of‑way dedication — and extend public water and sewer to the site as part of future development reviews. The planning staff presentation noted the cottage‑cluster project on the northern parcel was already approved administratively and that the zone change was the remaining land‑use action before the council.

Lanny Hickey of Rhine Cross Group, representing the applicant, said including all four tax lots made the request more coherent and that site‑plan review for the residential treatment facility will follow. Brian Cuomo of BestCare told the commission the new facility will be a 16‑bed, culturally specific inpatient SUD (substance‑use disorder) program that expands capacity beyond an existing 10‑bed facility at 236 SE East Street; he said the existing facility would be repurposed to serve female clients once the new site opens. Cuomo said transportation will be provided where needed and that referrals largely come from local partners though the program also serves regional referrals.

Commissioners pressed applicants on street classification, bus access and parking. Consultants said Oak is a local street and Poplar a minor collector; planned “three‑quarter” street improvements and nearby bus stops (at the homeless shelter) and on‑site pickup/drop‑off and parking are expected to serve clients. Staff reported notice was published in the Madras Pioneer and that no written public objections were received.

Commissioner Reynolds moved that the planning commission recommend the City Council approve CC‑25‑1 and close the public hearing; Commissioner Kendall seconded. The chair called the vote and commissioners present voted in favor. The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for a final decision and any required land‑use findings.

Meeting minutes show no opposition testimony was provided and that required infrastructure upgrades and utilities will be addressed through subsequent site‑plan review and permit processes.