Committee considers 3-resident independent living home at 2255 Jennings

The Planning and Development Committee reviewed a request for a special-use permit to operate an "independent living" residence at 2255 Jennings (CPO 2026-21).

Attorney Molina said the use is allowable in the R2 district if it meets seven special-use standards and that the Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3–0 to forward a favorable recommendation while attaching 19 conditions intended to ensure the residence does not become a medical or group-care facility. Zoning staff emphasized the conditions are designed "to make sure it didn't become a facility where it became a group home," and to limit on-site medical or behavioral services.

Petitioner Tia Thomas, who said she is a paramedic who served 31 years with the Gary Fire Department before retiring in 2021, described the model as housing for self-sufficient residents who pay one flat fee that covers utilities and services. "They will have shared living...I were approved for I was approved for 3 residents," she said, adding that residents would cook for themselves and be expected to go to work.

Council members asked for more detail on resident composition and operations. Councilwoman Ivy requested follow-up questions to be emailed to the petitioner for written responses; Dr. Martin and Attorney Molina confirmed there were no remonstrators. Thomas said she would initially house women only and that no onsite staff are required under the independent-living definition, though she said she would remain nearby and respond to issues.

The BZA's recommended conditions and the petitioner's operational assurances were discussed, but the transcript contains no committee vote. The item will proceed through the council process.