Board approves special exception for 1116 House Street to house program participants including some veterans

The Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a special exception permitting a residential care facility at 1116 House Street.

Rosalyn Smith, speaking for New Beginnings Recovery Living, told the board the proposed home would serve participants in local recovery programs and that the facility would offer caseworker support, transportation to Veterans Administration appointments and on‑site staffing. "It's gonna offer them different stability," Smith said, describing the home as a structured place where residents complete program requirements.

Staff reminded the board that approvals for residential care facilities must include conditions covering licensing, neighborhood communications, loitering‑control measures and a business plan; the application indicates the operator will meet those conditions prior to opening. Smith told the board she had been in contact with staff, neighborhood association leaders and First Nazareth Baptist Church, and said she would secure required licensing before the facility opens. "As of right now, everything is coming out of my pocket," Smith said when asked how the home would be funded initially.

Board members also discussed a 2013 denial at the address (under a different zoning classification), and staff noted pedestrian safety testimony contributed to that earlier decision; the zoning district has since changed. After board discussion, a motion to approve the special exception "subject to staff comments" carried.