Elkton planning commission recommends approval for Hope Wellness Group counseling office at 349 E. Pulaski Hwy

The Town of Elkton Planning Commission on Feb. 9 recommended that the Board of Zoning Appeals approve a special exception for Hope Wellness Group to operate an outpatient psychiatric rehabilitation clinic at 349 East Pulaski Highway.

Hope Wellness Group representatives — Chin Yere Udoh, Esperanza Ballenilla and Sr. Bryant Randall — presented the request during the commission’s meeting. "We are Hope Wellness Group, and we are an outpatient psychiatric rehabilitation program," said Ballenilla, who identified herself as a licensed clinical social worker with more than eight years of experience in Maryland behavioral health. She told commissioners the clinic would serve people with severe or prolonged mental illness and provide psychiatric rehabilitation and psychotherapy aimed at helping clients develop skills for independent community functioning.

Ballenilla said proposed hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Saturdays by appointment only. She said that staffing levels would depend on program enrollment but that "there will be at least three individuals, professionals, in the building" during operating hours. Ballenilla added the clinic would not dispense medications: "No drugs, medications or anything." Udoh described his background in electrical and computer engineering and recent program support work; Randall, who said he has 15 years in psychiatric rehabilitation, said his experience is in rehabilitation program leadership.

Planning Director Jeanne Minner asked whether the applicants coordinate with hospitals on discharge and continuity of care; Ballenilla said the organization currently partners with hospitals in other Maryland jurisdictions and intends to form similar relationships in Cecil County.

After the presentation there were no public comments in opposition or additional concerns from commissioners. Paul Manuel moved for a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals; Keith Thompson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioners recorded as voting Aye were Edward Ginder, Thomas Jones, Paul Manuel, William Muller and Keith Thompson.

The recommendation does not itself grant the special exception; it forwards the commission’s favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals for final action.