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Council to review plan for 7–12 bed adult foster care home at historic Joshua Simmons House
Summary
A petitioner requested a waiver to operate a licensed medium adult foster care facility (7–12 residents) in the historic Joshua Simmons House; planning commission recommended approval but neighbors raised concerns about room sizes, showers, notification and services. Council set the matter for the Aug. 17 regular agenda for fuller review.
Planner Tormina told council that JV Donaldson’s petition seeks a waiver to operate a licensed adult medium group home (7–12 residents) at the historic Joshua Simmons House, a roughly 5,000‑square‑foot property previously used for nonresidential purposes. Under state licensing rules, facilities for more than six residents require waiver approval for zoning purposes.
Petitioner Joe Hammond, representing the property owner, and prospective operator Simona Suraju, a nurse practitioner, described floor plans showing bedrooms with private baths, 24‑hour caregiver staffing and a fenced rear recreation area. Suraju said caregivers receive state‑compliant training, annual CPR certification and oversight through state inspections: “We actually are not bare minimum … we’re actually above standard,” she said.
Several residents and councilmembers expressed concerns. Jim Bigel and Denise Micah urged a detailed review of updated plans — including room sizes, shower configuration, medication storage and ADA accommodations — and said nearby residents had not received sufficient notice. Councilmembers asked whether sprinklers would be installed; the petitioner confirmed that any home with more than six residents must be sprinkled and that the facility will comply.
Given remaining questions and new plans submitted to staff, council placed the petition on the Aug. 17 regular agenda so members can review corrected drawings and allow nearby residents to comment.
