Commission denies specific‑use permit for 4‑person residential care facility on Steppington Street

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to deny a specific‑use permit request for an "other residential care facility" at 2642 Steppington Street, a proposed four-person residence operating under the state's HCS Medicaid waiver program.

Staff presented the case and said the property was within 2,500 feet of another registered group home (the Coventry Drive residence shown in staff materials) and had five police calls to the nearby property since May 2023. Staff also noted 59 mailed notices (a 300-foot notice radius was used) and eight letters of opposition. "Services proposed to be provided include meal preparation, medication administration, bathing, grooming and hygiene," city staff said; staff recommended approval with enumerated conditions including a maximum of four occupants, compliance with building and state regulations, registration with the city and maintaining required certifications.

Applicant Tannise Liggins described operations and said the organization had not experienced problems while operating at the nearby location. A number of neighbors and written letters raised concerns about traffic and parking on Steppington Street. "Steppington Street is totally blocked many days and you can barely get through because of cars parked on both sides of the street," one opposition letter read. Commissioners expressed concern about proximity to an existing group home in the neighborhood and the pattern of multiple facilities being established in residential areas. Chair Cheryl Smith moved to deny the SUP; the motion passed by recorded vote (6 in favor of denial, 3 opposed).