Plan Commission approves 15‑bed community residential recovery facility at 9302 39th Avenue

The Plan Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit allowing Wiss Hope Recovery to operate a community‑based residential facility (CBRF) for up to 15 residents at 9302 39th Avenue, after a public hearing that included operator remarks, neighborhood questions and staff clarifications. The commission also approved a required digital security imaging system (DSIS) agreement and released an earlier conditional use grant (CUP 2402) for the property.

Kevin Hamm, quality‑assurance manager and compliance officer for Wiss Hope Recovery, told the commission the operator already runs two residential facilities and outpatient services and described the program as a lower‑acuity "professionals" program for adults seeking treatment. Hamm said the facility would offer 30–120 day stays with 24‑hour coverage by behavioral health technicians, therapeutic staff during daytime hours and on‑call clinical managers. "We currently run 2 different residential facilities," Hamm said, and emphasized the operator's screening and supervision routines.

Neighbors raised safety concerns at the public hearing. Holly Tuttle Barthuli, owner of a childcare center across the street, asked whether the six staff figure listed in materials meant six staff would be on‑site 24 hours; Hamm clarified that six is the maximum at one time and "most of the time, there would be no less than two staff members on‑site at a time." Addressing whether residents could leave the facility unsupervised, Hamm said, "we're not a prison...we don't have the right to hold someone there," adding that outings are accompanied by staff and clients are not permitted to have vehicles on site.

Other residents pressed for stronger perimeter screening and clearer monitoring. The staff presentation noted the 1.3‑acre site is served by municipal sewer and water, that there are six parking spaces including one accessible stall, and that village code requires an operable DSIS camera system with police access. Village staff told the commission the village IT and police departments set camera locations and retention requirements and that the system must permit police access to video when needed.

Questions about the proposed resident population and criminal histories were raised. When asked whether convicted felons could be placed at the facility, Hamm said "in theory, there could be," but added the program is intended for lower‑acuity, voluntarily enrolled adults and that higher‑need individuals would be referred to other facilities. Speakers in support — including an employee of the operator and a local treatment professional — urged the commission the facility fills a service gap in the area.

After discussion of screening, staffing and medical oversight (the operator said a medical director will supervise multiple sites and on‑site nurse practitioners will be available), the commission voted to approve the CUP, to approve the DSIS agreement required by village ordinance, and to release CUP 2402 for the previously approved but unused authorization at the same address. The meeting record shows the motions were made, seconded and carried by voice votes.

Next steps: the operator must comply with village DSIS requirements, state licensing and the conditions of the CUP before occupancy. Village staff will work with the applicant on screening, sightlines and easement issues mentioned during the hearing.