Elkton board unanimously approves special exception for local counseling office

The Town of Elkton Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously Feb. 19 to grant a special exception allowing Hopewell Wellness Group to operate a counseling office at 349 East Pulaski Highway (Tax Map 033B, Parcel 2016). The case file lists the site in the C‑2 (Highway Commercial) zone; the motion recorded in the minutes referred to approval “in the TC Zone,” and the minutes do not resolve that discrepancy.

Chi Udoh, who was sworn in before presenting the request, told the board, “the name of our business is Hopewell Wellness Group,” and said the practice will provide wellness and counseling services aimed at helping clients with finances, employment resources, housing and hygiene supports. Udoh stated, “we will not be administering any type of medication or drugs at the facility or our business.”

When asked how many counselors the business would have, Udoh named two staff members: “Esperanza,” identified only by first name in the minutes and described as having about eight years of experience, and Bryant Randall, whom Udoh said has roughly five years of experience and was on the call.

Chip Bromwell, the town’s zoning administrator, told the board that the Planning Commission had recommended approval. With no public speakers for or against the request and no further questions from the board, Mr. David Finley moved to approve the special exception; Ms. Dawn Schwartz seconded. The minutes record the motion as "to approve a special exception to operate a mental health clinic in the TC Zone" (motion text as written in the minutes). The motion passed unanimously. Board members recorded as present for the meeting were Shirley Hicks (chair), David Finley and Dawn Schwartz; Chip Bromwell was listed as present in his role as zoning administrator; Sam Goldwater and Derek Chastain were absent.

Also on the agenda, the board noted Case #1674 — a variance request by Joe and Beverly Barren for a 6‑foot side yard setback at 224 Courtney Drive in the R‑2 (Suburban Residential) zone — but no one appeared to address that request. The board approved the Jan. 22 minutes and adjourned; the next meeting was scheduled for March 19, 2026.

What happens next: The minutes do not record any additional conditions attached to the special exception. Any change, condition or administrative follow-up would be reflected in future board minutes or in the town’s permit records.