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Zoning board denies proposed group home at 1100 Green Street after heavy neighborhood opposition
Summary
The board voted to deny a request to permit a supervised residential group home for up to five youths at 1100 Green Street, citing neighborhood concerns and requirements that would apply if the applicant reapplies.
The Norristown Zoning Hearing Board denied an application to permit a supervised residential living facility for up to five youth at 1100 Green Street, after extensive public comment and questioning about staffing, fire safety and neighborhood notice.
The applicant, Tia Pagan, sought a variance to operate a licensed group home for up to five boys (ages 12–17) and told the board the facility would be a family‑style home with a resident caregiver and additional on‑site staff. Counsel said the operation would be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and that licensing inspections would follow any zoning approval.
Board members and municipal counsel pressed the applicant on the proposed staffing plan, staff qualifications and on required safety systems. Municipal counsel Diana Williams told the board that Norristown’s special‑exception standards for group homes (section 320‑216) require a sprinkler system, a compliant fire alarm and proof of staff training and experience before certification or operation.
Scores of neighbors testified in opposition during the public‑comment period, citing limited notice to the block, concerns about safety and parking, and doubts about whether the proposed operation would match the existing neighborhood character. Tara Ruffin, a neighbor on the 1100 block, said she was not notified and expressed safety concerns after hearing the applicant’s description of the proposal.
After deliberation the board moved to deny the variance. The motion to deny carried 3‑0 with one abstention. Municipal counsel reiterated that if the applicant returns in the future, any approval should require strict compliance with the special‑exception standards and DHS licensing before residents are placed.
The denial leaves licensing and safety questions unresolved; the applicant may reapply with additional documentation and proof of fire‑safety and staffing compliance.
