Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Inpatient Hospice topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Augusta BZA approves variances to allow six‑bed inpatient hospice on Wrightsboro Road
Summary
The Board approved setback variances to permit a 1,674 sq ft modular addition to an existing medical office at 2512 Wrightsboro Road, enabling a six‑bed inpatient hospice; applicant Stacia Cyril and several supporters stressed unmet regional need across the CSRA.
The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals on July 20 approved variances that will allow a six‑bed inpatient hospice house to be built at 2512 Wrightsboro Road, enabling a 1,674‑square‑foot modular addition to an existing 1,212‑square‑foot medical office. Planning staff recommended approval with conditions, and the board voted unanimously to grant the setbacks needed for the project.
Stacia Cyril, founder of Augusta Inpatient Hospice Home and the property owner, told the board the existing building predates current zoning and that the requested setbacks are required to allow the addition while preserving the character of the site. Cyril said the proposed inpatient hospice would be the only dedicated hospice house serving the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of roughly 500,000 residents and estimated that about 300 patients annually would need inpatient hospice management for issues such as uncontrolled pain or caregiver exhaustion. “These variances are necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property while maintaining the character of the site,” she said.
Staff described the proposal as a modular addition that would house six bedrooms with private bathrooms and emphasized conditions that must be met prior to construction: site plan approval and applicable building permits. In response to board questions the applicant said the facility would be staffed 24 hours by certified medical personnel, that ambulance transport would avoid siren use for patient arrival/departure, and that there are three points of access including a ramped back exit intended for patient transport.
Two supporters spoke during public comment about the need for inpatient hospice services. Steven Fishman described his family’s experience and urged approval as a charitable community resource; Helen Hendy said changes in hospital practices left the community without a dedicated hospice house and endorsed the proposal as necessary compassionate care.
Board member Yvette Williams moved to approve the variances with staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The applicant will receive the formal decision letter by mail and must obtain site‑plan and building permits before beginning work.
