Board approves Gemini Recovery Center at 20 W. 8th Street over neighborhood objections

The Anderson City Board of Zoning Appeals voted July 1 to approve a special exception and three design waivers permitting the Gemini Recovery Center, an outpatient substance use disorder clinic, to operate at 20 W. 8th Street.

Planning staff described the proposal as a low‑volume, appointment‑based outpatient program that will offer group counseling, case management, peer support and recovery planning to adults; staff said the clinic will not provide residential services, detoxification, walk‑in care or overnight stays. Because the building is a former law office in a B2 downtown zone, the petitioner sought waivers from curbing, a 5‑ft green barrier and the city’s 25% green‑space requirement; staff recommended approval after finding the project meets the applicable Figure 9 zoning requirements.

Applicants and representatives told the board the clinic will limit group size (10–12 participants at a time), will not store or dispense medications on site and will not operate as a methadone clinic or a needle‑exchange. Shane Krippen, who introduced himself for the record, said the clinic will be appointment‑based and rely on rear parking and the transit system.

The public comment period drew multiple downtown property owners and merchants who supported addiction treatment but opposed the downtown location and said they had not received timely notice. Michelle Lavell, a historic West 8th Street resident and owner of Timestamp Boutique, said, “My concern is not about people. My concern is about the place, the location,” and urged the board to deny the request. Other business owners and residents cited limited on‑site parking (10 spaces), proximity to Oakley Brothers Distillery and Borough Loco, concerns about litter and discarded syringes, and fears the clinic could grow beyond its current scope.

Supporters and a few commenters said the services are needed in Anderson and noted that clinic hours and reduced group sizes were intended to limit disruption. After hearing testimony and reviewing the submitted findings of fact, the board moved, seconded and voted to approve Petition 5‑26 with waivers for curbing, the green barrier and green‑space requirements.

The board’s approval authorizes the petitioner to operate the outpatient program under the conditions described in the filing; the planning staff and applicants were reminded to follow required permitting steps.