Elkton board approves special exception for mental health clinic in town center

ELKTON, Md. — The Town of Elkton Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 22 approved a special exception for A Better Living Wellness Center to operate a non‑medical mental health clinic at 133 North Bridge Street, 3rd floor.

Siara Bazemore, the applicant and owner, was sworn in and told the board the center will provide counseling, life‑skills development, peer support and wellness programs aimed at helping people stabilize and improve quality of life. "A Better Living Wellness Center is a community based behavioral health and wellness program designed to support individuals and families through counseling, life skills development and emotional wellness services," Bazemore said.

Bazemore emphasized the clinic would not handle medications. "We do not provide, store, prescribe dose or distribute any type of medication or control substances," she said, adding services would be strictly non‑medical and focused on education, counseling and peer support.

Board members asked about Bazemore's background and the clinic's operations. Bazemore said she also operates a drug treatment center in Lutherville/Towson and told the board the Elkton site would have four staff members — a counselor, an administrator, Bazemore and a peer support/direct care counselor — and group sessions capped at about 10 people.

Mr. Finley moved to approve the special exception to operate a mental health clinic in the TC (Town Center) zone; Ms. Schwartz seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve the request.

The approval clears the way for A Better Living Wellness Center to open local, non‑medical behavioral health services aimed at early intervention and ongoing support. Zoning staff did not record any public opposition during the hearing.

The board will next meet Feb. 19, 2026, when additional special exception requests are expected to be considered.